San Antonio O-1 Visa Lawyer
The United States Government makes it possible for certain foreign nationals at the top of their field to enter the country under an O-1 visa. This is a nonimmigrant visa that specifically targets people who have demonstrated “extraordinary ability” in the arts, sciences, education, business, athletics, or entertainment. With an O-1 visa, qualified foreign nationals can legally work in the United States for an initial stay of up to 3 years.
An experienced San Antonio O-1 visa lawyer can assist you in determining your eligibility as a person of extraordinary ability and completing the application process. At BBA Immigration, we represent a variety of foreign nationals looking to work in the United States. We can review your case and advise you of your available options under federal immigration laws.
Temporary Work Visas for People of Extraordinary Achievement
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues two kinds of O-1 visas. The O-1A visa is for individuals with some extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. The O-1B visa covers individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or persons of “extraordinary achievement” in the motion picture or television industries.
The term “extraordinary ability” means the O-1 visa applicant is a person of distinction or high achievement within their field. In the case of an O-1A visa, the applicant must provide documentation of any nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in their field. For example, a Nobel Prize winner in chemistry would certainly demonstrate extraordinary ability. But even absent such a prestigious award, a successful O-1A applicant may also provide additional evidence of distinction such as:
- Membership in a professional association that requires outstanding achievement to join, as determined by recognized experts in the field.
- Published work in a professional or major trade publication related to the applicant’s field.
- Participation on a panel as a judge of the work performed by others in the applicant’s field.
- Evidence of the applicant’s original contributions of “major significance” to their field.
- Proof that the applicant previously or currently commanded a “high salary” for their services in the field.
Similarly, in the case of the O-1B visa, applicants must have won a major award in the entertainment field, such as an Academy Award, or present at least three examples of distinction or outstanding achievement within their industry. For both types of O-1 visas, the applicant must be sponsored by a United States employer, a United States agent, or a foreign employer acting through a United States agent.
Contact BBA Immigration Today
While processing times for O-1 visas are typically faster than other types of nonimmigrant work visas, it can still take a few months to successfully complete the process. And given the detailed requirements for demonstrating exceptional ability or achievement, it is important not to delay if you are planning to come to the United States for work. So if you need to speak with a skilled San Antonio O-1 visa lawyer, contact BBA Immigration today to schedule a consultation.
