The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for persons with outstanding skills in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a national or international reputation for  extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television sector.   Meaning of “outstanding skills“ In the domains of science, education, business, and athletics, it denotes a level of competence that indicates you are among the elite few who have reached the pinnacle of your  industry.  It denotes eminence in the world of arts which means a high level of achievement. Classifications: O-1A: Individuals of remarkable skill in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (excluding the arts, film, and television industries); O-1B: Persons with remarkable skill in the arts or extraordinary accomplishment in the motion picture or television business O-2: Individuals accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a particular event or performance.  O-3: Spouses and children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders. Eligibility You must give sufficient evidence for a minimum of three of the following: Have received national or worldwide outstanding awards or accolades in their field. Being a member of an organization that needs exceptional achievement, as determined by nationally or internationally renowned authorities in the specific field. Their work has been featured in prominent professional or trade magazines or in the mainstream media. The applicant has served as a judge in the same (or a substantially comparable) field.  This could be done on an individual basis or as part of a panel. Have had articles published in prestigious professional or trade periodicals. Have made original scientific, academic, or business contributions of significant importance in their relevant field. Have served in a position of authority or significance for highly valued organizations or institutions. For their services, they command a high wage or compensation. Other relevant proof of extraordinary expertise that does not meet the standards listed above.   Procedure for Applying You may apply for an O-1A visa if you have a remarkable ability in the arts, sciences, education, business, or sports. Or you are eligible to apply for an O-1B visa if you have extraordinary ability in the arts or have accomplished extraordinary things in the film or television industries. Follow these steps: Your employer submits a petition on your behalf with USCIS. Form DS-160 is filed. Everyone who applies for a US visa must submit this electronic application form. You must pay the O1 visa fee. You make an appointment with the nearest US mission for a visa interview. Compile the necessary paperwork. Attend the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate and present the required documentation.   […]

The OPT program was established under a 1992 rule. Under the OTP program, F-1 students are permitted to work in the United States for one year in order to “enhance their ability to achieve their educational objectives by allowing them to gain valuable knowledge and skills through on-the-job training that may be unavailable in their […]

Circumventing the Lottery for Immigrating to the United States   H1B Cap Exemptions for Physicians   A significant proportion of foreign nationals who come to the United States to work as physicians have H1B status. Ordinarily, a foreign citizen must be counted in the H1B cap before obtaining H1B status. This involves participation in the […]

Canada as a backdoor to the United States   People who have got permanent residency status in Canada can apply for citizenship after living there for at least three years in the five years before the application. After they become citizens, they can use the TN visa to come to the US if they have […]

The Social Security Administration assigns nine-digit Social Security numbers (SSNs) to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. SSA uses SSNs to report wages to the government, track Social Security benefits, and for other identification purposes. In addition to Social Security, the SSN is utilized for a variety of other […]

Numerous Immigration Statuses in the United States   The modern world has become a vast melting pot filled with lively families that transcend a number of borders, which is certainly something to admire and value. However, keeping track of immigration regulations can be challenging. This blog concisely discusses the 4 types of United States immigration statuses. The […]

Diversity Visa Program The Diversity Visa Program, also known as the DV Lottery, is a program that was mandated by Congress and allows up to 55,000 individuals from countries that have historically been underrepresented in terms of migration to the United States of America to qualify each year for immigrant visas, which are also referred […]

USCIS has Published Guides to Attract International Talent in STEM The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has released a number of new recommendations to attract STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) professionals to the United States. The papers outline nonimmigrant and immigrant visa alternatives for foreign nationals wishing to work in STEM professions in the […]

Things to keep in mind when applying for H1B Extension In general, a foreign national’s stay in H1B status is limited to a maximum of six years. However, the law permits a few exceptions to this restriction. A person may be eligible to extend status in one- or three-year increments beyond the statutory six-year maximum, […]

A foreign individual may enter the United States to start and/or grow a business enterprise under the International Entrepreneur Parole (IEP) program. The initiative aims to promote job creation and economic growth in the United States.   The International Entrepreneur Parole Program Using the International Entrepreneur Parole Program, foreign nationals can legitimately launch a business […]