What is the O1 Visa?
The O1 visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrant foreign workers who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts, or athletics as well as extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
How to Apply for the O1 Visa?
Step One: Employer or Agent Files Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker
The first step to obtain an O1 visa requires the U.S. employer, U.S. agent, or foreign employer to file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the potential employee’s behalf. Commonly, a U.S. agent who is inside the U.S. will file Form I-129 on behalf of the employer.
When submitting Form I-129, the employer must include the required evidence showing the potential employee’s qualifications for the O1 visa. The employer or agent must not file the form I-129 more than one year prior to the date the employer needs the potential employee’s services. The USCIS recommends an employer or agent file the form I-129 at least 45 days prior to the date of employment.
Documentation Filed with the Form I-129
When submitting Form I-129, the employer, or an agent on the employer’s behalf, must provide the following documentation to the USCIS:
- Evidence demonstrating the potential employee’s extraordinary ability.
- A written advisory opinion from a peer group or a person with expertise in the beneficiary’s field.
- This requirement may be waived if it can be demonstrated that no applicable peer group exists to provide evidence, in which case other evidence provided by the employer will be considered instead.
- The contract between the employer and potential employee or a summary of the oral agreement under which the employee would be employed.
- An explanation of the nature of the events or activities of employment, the start and end dates of the events or activities, and a copy of any itinerary for the events or activities.
Step Two: USCIS Processes Form I-129
Once the USCIS receives Form I-129, the employer or agent will receive the following in return:
- A receipt notice confirming the petition was received;
- A notice to appear for an interview, if required;
- A biometric services notice, if applicable; and
- A notice of decision.
Step Three: Applicant Files Online Form DS-160
The O1 visa applicant who will be working for their employer in the United States must complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. This involves uploading a photo of the applicant that conforms to the U.S. Department of State photograph requirements. Once Form DS-160 is submitted, the employee must download and print the confirmation page showing Form DS-160 was completed and the filing fee paid. The confirmation page will need to be brought to the visa interview at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
Step Four: Schedule Interview and Biometrics Appointment
When Form I-129 is approved, the USCIS will send Form I-797, Notice of Action. This may include with it a notice to appear for an interview and a biometric services appointment. The O1 applicant is responsible for scheduling and appearing for his or her interview and biometrics appointment.
Step Five: Attend Interview and Biometrics Appointment
If requested, the O1 applicant (employee) must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, where an official will evaluate the applicant’s documentation and ask questions pertaining to why the applicant is seeking the O1 visa, including about the applicant’s employment with their employer and the applicant’s extraordinary ability. The O1 visa applicant may be able to schedule the biometrics appointment to take place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate when the visa interview is scheduled.
Before attending the interview, the applicant should compile certain documentation to bring with them to the interview.
The documents listed below must be brought with the O1 visa applicant to the interview:
- Confirmation page for Form DS-160;
- Passport valid for travel to the United States that will remain valid for at least six months beyond the visa holder’s period of stay in the United States;
- Application fee payment receipt;
- Contract or letter of employment that confirms upcoming employment
- Documentation proving the applicant meets the extraordinary ability requirements for their profession.
