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[Last Reviewed by Ortega-Medina & Associates, 23 June 2025]

O-1 Visa for Persons of Extraordinary Ability – Live and Work in the U.S.

Are you at the top of your field in the arts, sciences, business, athletics, or entertainment? The O-1 visa allows individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement to live and work in the United States.

Ortega-Medina & Associates has helped actors, musicians, scientists, athletes, and entrepreneurs secure O-1 visas for over 20 years. We work closely with artists and industry professionals, especially in film, television, and design, to build strong petitions that succeed.

START WITH A CONFIDENTIAL NO OBLIGATION ASSESSMENT

What Is the O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have risen to the top of their field in:

  • Sciences, education, business, or athletics (O-1A)

  • Arts or entertainment (O-1B)

  • Motion picture or television (O-1B subcategory)

Your dependents may qualify for O-3 status, and support staff may qualify for O-2.

Who Qualifies as “Extraordinary”?

The standard depends on your field:

  • Science, business, education, athletics: You must be among the top few percent internationally.

  • Arts: You must be distinguished and prominent in your field.

  • Film & TV: You must show extraordinary achievement, recognized by notable awards or critical acclaim.

What Evidence Is Required?

You must show either:

✅ A major award (e.g., Nobel, Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, etc.)
OR
✅ At least 3 of the following:

  • National/international awards or press

  • Membership in prestigious associations

  • Published media coverage

  • Original contributions or lead roles

  • High salary or key position at respected institutions

  • Judging others in your field

  • Contracts for prominent roles or projects

Note: Film & TV professionals must meet a slightly higher standard, and cannot submit “comparable evidence.”

Who Can File the Petition?

You can’t self-petition for an O-1 visa. It must be filed by:

  • A U.S. employer,

  • A U.S. agent, or

  • A foreign employer through a U.S. agent

We can advise on which structure suits your case. Agents may represent multiple engagements (e.g., for musicians on tour, or actors with short-term bookings).

Advisory Opinions (Consultations)

You must obtain a written opinion from a peer group, union, or management organization in your field. For film and TV, both a labor and management opinion are required.

⚠️ Delays can occur if USCIS requests this after filing — we strongly recommend submitting it with the petition.

How Long Does the O-1 Last?

  • Initial approval: up to 3 years

  • Extensions: in 1-year increments

  • Admitted 10 days before and after petition validity, though work is only authorized during the validity period

Can My Family Come?

Yes. Your spouse and children under 21 can join you in O-3 status, though they cannot work unless separately authorized.

Why Work with Us?

At Ortega-Medina & Associates, we:

  • Represent clients across film, music, fashion, academia, and tech

  • Understand the realities of the creative industry

  • Accept cases only when we believe in your success

  • Offer alternate strategies or appeal options if denied (except for criminal or fraud findings)

Contact us for a confidential, no-fee assessment. You may be more qualified than you think.