O1 – Extraordinary Ability Or Achievement Visa

Extraordinary Ability Visa

Extraordinary Ability In Science, Education, Business or Athletics

There are other options for people based on their skills or expertise such as an EB-1 or L-1 Visas. But if you have very specific abilities then the O-1 Visa may be the best option.

So what is an O-1 Visa, here is a quote directly from the United States Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS) directly:

"The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements."

The O1 Visa is reserved for those who have a demonstrated ability in certain fields at a national or international level. The O1 Visa is time-limited for an initial period of up to 3 years and will require a renewal beyond that time period.

Family members can accompany you to the USA but those family members are not permitted to work but may study in the USA. To qualify for the O1 Visa, there is a significant burden of proof required.