US O1A visa
The US O1 non-immigrant visa is for distinct personalities who possess extraordinary ability in the field of arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics.
US O visas can be issued fairly quickly and are granted for the length of time necessary for a particular event, which can go up to a maximum of three years, with unlimited extensions in one- year increments.
The O-1A visa secures the path to EB-1A Green Card option. The O-1A visa holder can eventually go for an adjustment of his status to EB-1A Green Card, by filing of the appropriate form.
This Green Card is granted to those individuals who are able to demonstrate extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. This visa category does not require an offer of employment.
Requirements to qualify for O-1A visa and EB-1A Green Card Option
- The achievements of the applicant must be recognized in the concerned field through extensive documentation.
- The applicant must meet 3 of 10 criteria given below, or provide evidence of a one-time achievement. 1. Evidence of receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
2. Evidence of applicant’s membership in associations in the field which demand outstanding achievement of their members.
3. Evidence of published material about the applicant in professional or major trade publications or other major media.
4. Evidence that the applicant has been asked to judge the work of others, either individually or on a panel.
5. Evidence of the applicant’s original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business- related contributions of major significance to the field.
6. Evidence of the applicant’s authorship of scholarly articles in professional or major trade publications or other major media.
7. Evidence that the applicant’s work has been displayed at artistic exhibitions or showcases.
8. Evidence of the applicant’s performance of a leading or critical role in distinguished organizations.
9. Evidence that the applicant commands a high salary or other significantly high remuneration in relation to others in the field.
10. Evidence of the applicant’s commercial successes in the performing arts
Benefits of O-1 visa and EB-1 Green Card
The visa holder is allowed to live and work in U.S. is also allowed to travel within and outside U.S.
O-1 visa is a dual intent visa, which means, O-1 visa holders can eventually apply for Green Card and obtain permanent residency under the EB-1 category.
The U.S. O visa is generally sought by non-immigrant workers, with extraordinary ability, who could not come under the annual H-1B quota. This is because the O visa is not restricted numerically by an annual quota.
U.S. O-1 status is positively different from other employment visas as it relates to various work categories.
Dependents and assistants of the main applicant, (spouse and children under 21 years) are also allowed to live in the U.S.
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