Highly skilled professionals worldwide find working in the united states attractive. Those looking to succeed and stabilize in the u. S. Have a range of visa options that may suit their particular situation.
One unique pathway for skilled individuals to pursue is the o-1 visa. The o-1 visa comes with specific criteria and requirements to qualify. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into the o-1 visa qualifications, application instructions, expert tips, and more.
Other US visa categories to consider
The government filing fees (including premium processing) and attorney fees for your o-1 visa application can be paid either by you or your employer. Unlike other employment-based work visa categories (such as h-1b), your employer is not required by law to pay the filing fees and attorney fees for your o-1 visa application.
In order to prepare a petition for a nonimmigrant o-1 as an alien of extraordinary ability in the sciences, medicine or other profession, we require additional information about the alien’s achievements and distinctions in his or her field. Specifically, for an o-1 visa to be approved, evidence must be submitted from at least two of the following categories: original contributions of major significance; material published about the alien; nationally recognized prizes, awards or distinctions; evidence of service in a leading or critical role for distinguished organizations;
Who Can Apply for an O1 Visa?
getting an o-1 visa is one of the best ways for startup founders, researchers, engineers, and artists to gain access to the largest economy in the world. The basic idea behind this classification is that a foreign national with a proven track record should be allowed to enter the united states on this merit in order to apply these skills in the u. S. For the benefit of the country. There are no specific industry requirements, salary minimums, or required degrees. It is not just a visa reserved for nobel prize winners or celebrities. Anyone with the right credentials can qualify.
Q: how long does the o-1 visa last and can it be renewed or extended? a: you are allowed to stay in the united states on an o-1 visa for the amount of time necessary to complete the event or activity with your petitioner employer that you list when you apply for the o-1 visa. This event or activity is limited to an initial period of three years, and you must be able to establish that you will need this much time for the proposed employment. An o-1 visa can be extended. You must apply for an o-1 visa extension of stay.
A scientist must show that they meet at least (3) of (8) criteria and have a job offer. However, most scientists meet the same 3-4 criteria when applying. It's important to remember that the criteria are a checklist and not a "weighted" system. Once you meet three, you're in. A person who meets 3 criteria gets the same visa as a person who meets 8 criteria. Further, meeting a criteria is a pass/fail endeavor, and there is no credit given for partially fulfilling one. Which o1 criteria scientists should focus on let's look at the criteria that a scientist usually applies under.
Applying for an o-1 visa can be a rigorous process. Gifted individuals must compile supporting information for their application to qualify for approval. Before an application can be submitted, temporary worker visa hopefuls must also have a job offer from a legitimate company. The application must be completed by a u. S. Employer or agent within a year of needing the services of the non-resident worker and the uscis fee for filing must be paid.