Extraordinary abilities- O-1 Visa
In Arts, Sciences, Education, Business, Athletics
and other fields

The O-1 category applies to aliens coming temporarily who have extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, business, or athletics To qualify, the alien must be coming to the U.S. to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. There is currently no annual cap on O visas.

Preliminary Considerations

- A written advisory opinion from a peer group (including labor organizations) or a person   designated by the group with expertise in the alien's area of ability;
- A copy of any written contract between the employer and the alien or a summary of the terms of   the oral agreement under which the alien will be employed;
- Evidence that the alien has received a major, internationally recognized award, such as a   NobelPrize, or evidence of at least three of the following:

(A) Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field
      of endeavor;
(B) Membership in associations in the field, for which classification is sought, which require
      outstanding achievements, as, judged by recognized international experts;
(C) Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major
      media about the alien and his work in the field for which classification is sought;
(D) Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
(E) Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for
       which classification is sought;
(F) A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable
      evidence;
(G) Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a
      field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought;
(H) Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a
      distinguished reputation.

If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish the alien's eligibility.

3 years initially, 1 year extension.

The advantage of this category is employer sponsorship is not required, qualified applicant can apply permanent residency directly by himself or herself.

Processing time: 4-6 months