The O-1B visa is for foreign nationals (aliens) who have demonstrated extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.
To qualify for an O-1B visa, you will have to submit evidence showing:
- You are a recipient of significant national or international awards or prizes in your particular field (e.g. an Emmy, a Grammy);
- Evidence that you meet at least 3 of these 6 criteria. One of the 10 criteria is “Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation . . .”
What evidence should I submit to prove this criterion?
You will have to submit evidence showing that you have performed and will perform in productions/events with distinguished reputations, such as:
- Written reviews from critics
- Adverts
- Publicity releases
- Publications/articles
- Contracts
- Endorsements
Please note that you will have to demonstrate both that: (i) you already have performed as a lead or starring participants, and (ii) you will perform services as a lead/starring participant.
You should also submit Expert Letters from your previous employers explaining why your role at the organization was lead/starring.
Additionally, you should submit an employment contract from your future employer that describes whether you will perform in a lead/starring role and what events/productions you will work on.
If you want to find out more information about the O-1 application process, please click here.
Please click here if you want to find out whether you qualify for the O-1 visa.
