O1B Visa

The O1B visa allows U.S. employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrant foreign workers who have extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

What are the Eligibility Requirements for the O1B Visa?

In order to qualify for an O1B visa, an applicant must have “distinction” in their field of arts. Generally, this means the applicant possesses a record of high level achievement in the field of arts, including in television, cinema, or other general forms of artistry.

Achievement in Arts Generally:

In order for an O1B applicant to show they hold distinction in their field of arts, they must prove that they possess a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that which is ordinarily encountered such that the applicant is prominent, renowned, leading, or well-known in their field of arts.

Motion Pictures or Television:

Applicants in the motion picture or television industry must demonstrate a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered, so that an individual is recognized as outstanding, notable, or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

What is the process for obtaining an O1B visa?

The process for obtaining an O1B visa is driven by the employer of the potential employee who possesses extraordinary ability.

1. Step One: Employer Files Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker

   The first step to obtain an O1B 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 O1B 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 in their field of art;
   • A written advisory opinion from a peer group or a person with expertise in the beneficiary’s field. O1B applicants in motion picture or television must provide a written advisory opinion from an appropriate labor union and a management organization with expertise in the applicant’s area of ability.
     • This requirement may be waived for O1B applicants who can demonstrate that they are seeking readmission to perform similar services within two years of a prior application. It may also 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.

2. 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.

3. Step Three: Employee Files Online Form DS-160

   The O1B 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.

4. 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 O1B applicant is responsible for scheduling and appearing for his or her interview and biometrics appointment.

5. Step Five: Attend Interview and Biometrics Appointment

   If requested, the O1B 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 O1B visa, including about the applicant’s employment with their employer and the applicant’s extraordinary ability. The O1B 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 O1B 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 field of artistry.

Can O1B visa holders study while in the United States?

Yes. O1B visa holders may study full-time or part-time while in the United States so long as the original conditions of the O1B visa are adhered to. If the educational program lasts longer than the period of validity for the O1B visa, the visa holder should apply for a student visa that would permit them to remain in the United States for the purpose of completing their education. Continuing education is not a valid basis for extending the O1B visa.

Can O1B visa holders change employers?

Generally, yes. O1B visa holders who will see any material change in the terms and conditions of their employment or eligibility must have their employer or their agent file an amended form I-129 with the service center where the original petition was filed.

Can O1B visa holders apply for a green card?

Yes. Generally, there is no requirement that an O1B visa applicant or visa holder prove foreign residency in order to qualify for the O1B visa. An O1B visa will not be denied to applicants who also apply for permanent residency in the United States.

For how long is the O1B visa valid?

The O1B visa is valid for up to three years. Extensions are available for up to one year; however, the exact length of time will be determined based on how long it will take an applicant to accomplish the event or activity for which they seek U.S. entry.

O1B visa holders may be in the United States 10 days prior to the beginning of their validity period, and 10 days after. However, O1B visa holders may only work during the validity period.

O1B visa holders who need to extend their stay in order to continue or complete the same event or activity for which the O1B visa was approved, the employer or agent must file the following documents with USCIS:

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker;
• A copy of your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record; and
• A statement explaining the reasons for the extension.

How much does it cost to get an O1B visa?

The application fee when filing Form I-129 is $460, which is commonly paid by the employer. The cost to file Form DS-160 is $160.

An applicant can pay $2500 for premium processing, which expedites the application process.

If an O1B visa holder’s employer terminates his or her employment for any reason other than the visa holder’s voluntary resignation, the employer must pay the reasonable cost of return transportation to the visa holder’s last place of residence before entering the United States.