O1 Extraordinary Visa

O1 extraordinary visa is for applicants who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.  O1 extraordinary visa applicants must have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements and be coming temporarily to the US to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

The following are the O1 extraordinary visa categories that are available:

  • O1A: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry;
  • O1B: individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry;
  • O2: individuals who will accompany an O1, artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance. For an O1A, the O2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O1A’s activity. For an O1B, the O2’s assistance must be “essential” to the completion of the O1B’s production. The O2 has critical skills and experience with the O1 that cannot be readily performed by a US worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O1; and
  • O3: individuals who are the spouse or children of O1’s and O2’s.

Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction.  Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that a person described as prominent is renowned, leading or well-known in the field of arts.

Extraordinary ability in the motion picture or television industry requires a showing of extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

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US State Department - O1 Extraordinary Visa

Foreign Affairs Manual - O1 Extraordinary Visa

USCIS - O1 Extraordinary Visa