The O visas are non-immigrant visas intended to help residents of other countries with exceptional skills, as well as their assistants and dependents to work in the United States. These work visas in the US enable people with high accomplishments and education to find a job in the United States and then stay for a period of time.
What is the US O-1B Visa?
The O-1B visa is a US work visa that allows people working in the art, television, and film industries to demonstrate their skills and work in the United States.
People who want to get an O-1B visa must present that they have exceptional skills, which means they have accomplished something that has earned them national or international recognition in their fields. This indicates that their artwork, film, or television production has won awards, or that the applicant has contributed to a great piece of work.
Since the O-1B visa has no limit, anyone who meets the criteria is free to look for work in the United States and apply. Since each O-1B visa applicant is treated as an individual by the US Embassy, if you are a member of an organisation that has received recognition, you cannot demand the privilege for yourself and therefore do not apply for this visa.
US O-1B Visa Types
The O visas are classified into three categories:
- The O-1 visa for individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement.
- The O-2 visa is intended for personnel or citizens who assist O-1 visa holders.
- The O-3 visa is for O-1 and O-2 visa holders’ spouses and children.
Additionally, the O-1 visa contains two other categories of visas, depending on the applicant’s profession and industry.
- The O-1A visa is for people who have demonstrated exceptional abilities in education, industry, science, or athletics.
- The O-1B visa is for those who have shown exceptional abilities in the film or television industry, as well as in the arts.
For those preparing to apply, this article will concentrate on the O-1B visa, its conditions, application process, and other important information.
The O-1B visa differs from other work visas such as the H-1B visa in that the O-1B visa applicants must demonstrate exceptional skill. Those seeking an H-1B visa need only find a position in the United States and an employer willing to sponsor them. Applicants for O-1B visas must gather documentation and proof to demonstrate to US authorities that they have high skills and achievements.
O-1B Visa Requirements
To obtain an O-1B visa, you must first meet the requirements. This visa has a lot of conditions, so it’s not easy to obtain. However, the first move is to look for work in the art, television, or film industries. Your employer must agree to fund your visa so that you can put your extraordinary skills to good use. You must either have received a highly regarded award such as a Grammy, Oscar, Emmy or have at least three of the following other accomplishments to qualify as someone with such abilities:
- You’ve played a leading role in a piece of art, a film, or a television show.
- Your work has proven to be extremely commercially profitable.
- You’ve worked on a critically acclaimed output in the arts, film, or television.
- You were well compensated for your contributions to the industry.
- By various papers or other publications written about, you have been given national or international recognition.
- In papers or journals, critics and other main members of the industry have praised you.
If you have received an award, you are automatically eligible for an O-1B visa. Although, since that achievement is uncommon, meeting the other conditions is sufficient evidence to have your case approval.
How to get an O-1B visa?
Having a job in the United States is the most important aspect of starting the O-1B visa application process. Your work should be based on your exceptional abilities and accomplishments. You can’t be a great painter and work for a consulting firm at the same time. If you apply for an O-1B visa and your work is unrelated to your qualifications, you will be denied.
To apply for an O-1B visa, you must first find work in the art, film or television industries in the United States. Your employer will then start the visa application process. These procedures must be followed by both the boss and you.
Submitting the Form I-129
Your employer must begin the process by submitting Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The key form for most non-immigrant work visas is this petition. This form must be filed by your boss at least 45 days before you start working. They may also pay a $705 fee (from October 2, 2020). They must also submit some evidence that you have exceptional abilities in the arts, television, or film industry, in addition to the form. As a result, they must demonstrate that you meet the above criteria.
After receiving the petition, USCIS will review it and refer to it. If your case is accepted, you and your employer will receive Form I-797, Notice of Action, and you, as the applicant, will be able to begin your O-1B visa application.
Filling out Form DS-160
The DS-160 Form is also known as the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, which is required of all nonimmigrant visa applicants in the United States.
You will be required to fill out the application with your details as well as the reason for your visit. When you’ve completed the form, you’ll be given a confirmation code, which you’ll use later in the application process.
O-1B Visa application appointment
When applying for a visa, all applicants between the ages of 14 and 79 must go through an interview with the US Embassy. As a result, you must arrange your interview at the US Embassy in the country from which you are applying.
Try to arrange your interview as soon as possible, as they will have a heavy workload and you will have to wait a long time for the review to be completed. You will receive an interview confirmation letter when you arrange your interview, which you must bring with you to the Embassy.
Attending your interview on the scheduled date is the final move in your application. Try to arrive on time and respond to any questions the US Embassy official might have. Since your interview will have a significant effect on your application, be as specific as possible when answering questions.
Supporting documents
Compile a file with all of the evidence you’ll need to back up your argument. This file contains the following information:
- Your valid passport.
- A photograph that meets the US Visa photo requirements.
- The confirmation code for the DS-160.
- The invitation letter for the visa interview.
- The I-797 Form.
- Receipts indicating that you have paid all fees.
- Proof of employment in the United States, e.g. letter from your employer or a contract.
- Demonstration of your exceptional abilities (can be the same evidence that your employer-provided to USCIS).
- If you want to bring your relatives, you must provide them with evidence of your relationship, e.g. marriage certificate for your spouse and birth certificates for your children.
What are the visa application fees?
The application fee for an O-1B visa is $190. You may be required to pay additional fees in addition to the application fee, depending on your country of residence. After you’ve paid all of the necessary fees, make sure you have the receipts because you’ll need proof of payment.
How long does it take to obtain the US O-1B Visa?
You must wait until the Embassy checks your case after you have finished your visa interview. This will take from two to three months for an O-1B visa. After the waiting period, the Embassy will inform you whether or not you have received your visa. Once you’ve got your visa, you can start planning your trip.
If you don’t want to wait two to three months for an answer, there is a way to speed up the process with premium processing. It is possible for an extra $1,225. Premium processing ensures that your visa will be processed in 15 days or less, and you will receive notification about your visa earlier.
US O-1B Visa Validity
The O-1B visa is initially granted for a three-year term. You can work for your employer during these three years, but you can also fly in and out of the country as much as you want. If you wish to remain in the United States after the 3-year period expires, you must work out an extension with your employer.
If your employer has a compelling cause for you to stay in the United States for longer than three years, a new petition must be submitted. To get an O-1B visa extension, the employer must file a new Form I-129 and follow the same procedures as the application process.
If USCIS grants your request, it will only be for a year. The advantage of the O-1B visa is that you can apply for as many one-year extensions as you are eligible for, allowing you to remain in the United States indefinitely.
