O-1 Visa

Typically, O-1 visas are reserved for people who have reached a high level of achievement or shown extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, and the arts. They also apply to the motion picture, television and entertainment industry. The O-1 visas are

vital to those looking to find success in their industry. However, like any visa, there are many rules that must be followed in order to successfully protect your rights. 

At the Law Offices of Azhang & Associates, Inc. we provide consultations to those who call us at (949) 296-7660 The information you gain from an experienced attorney can help you avoid serious complications and protect your rights. 

Who Qualifies for O-1 Visas? 

Typically, O-1 visas are for persons who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements. The good news is there is no cap on O Visas. To qualify, the person must be coming to the US to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. 

However, extraordinary abilities and achievements can be difficult to define. While a consultation with our office can help you determine the facts in your unique case, there are multiple factors that apply to everyone's application for an O-1 visa. 

In order to qualify as a person who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, you must meet at least three (3) of the following guidelines: · Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor 

· Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field 

· Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought 

· Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field 

· Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought 

· A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence 

· Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought 

· Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation 

If the above criteria do not readily apply to your occupation, you may submit comparable evidence in order to establish your eligibility. 

In order to prove that these qualifications apply to you, you will need an attorney who puts together a strong case to show why you deserve to be granted an O-1 visa. 

Benefits of O-1 visa 

O-1 visas are designed to give people enough time to complete the work that brought them to the United States. When issued, the visa will give you an initial period of stay for one, two, or three years, depending on how long it will take to accomplish your goal. However, this can be

extended through a Form I-129 petition in order to complete an event or activity that takes longer than the initial time period granted. 

The benefits of an O-1 visa also extend to others in your life. Your spouse and under-21 children can apply for O-3 visas, which give them the same period of stay in the United States that you have been granted. While this does not allow them to work in the country, they are able to study on either a full or part-time basis. 

Additionally, those that work for the O-1 athlete or artist can gain an O-2 visa, allowing them to stay in the U.S. while they support you. These people would be acting as an essential and integral part of your successful artistic or athletic performance These visas will help them to work in the U.S. with you in their related roles. The O-2 worker will need to go through his/her own application process to qualify, and must prove that he/she has a qualifying relationship with the approved O-1 athlete or artist. 

Aid from a Skilled O-1 Visa Attorney 

If you are in the United States and are either looking to apply for an O-1 visa or are experiencing difficulties regarding one that you already have, do not wait to contact the The Law Offices of Azhang & Associates, Inc. at (949) 296-7660. The sooner an experienced attorney can start working on your case, the better chance you have of completely protecting your rights and preventing harm from being done to your career. With our assistance, your continued success can be protected year after year.