A unique nonimmigrant visa called the O-1 is available to foreign nationals who fit the category of extraordinary. The fact that you can hire an O-1 visa agent to represent you, provided certain requirements are met, is part of the uniqueness of this visa. Whether you are a beneficiary looking to hire an agent or someone who wants to become an agent themselves, reading this page will help you better grasp the regulations governing an O-1 visa agent.
If you are unfamiliar with the O-1 visa, the term “exceptional” may appear a little ambiguous and challenging to understand. Here is a brief explanation of this illustrious visa and its advantages.
The USCIS firstly divides extraordinary people into two groups when it comes to immigration:
O-1A: This is for people who can show remarkable accomplishments in business, sports, education, or the sciences.
- An internationally renowned honor, such as the Nobel Prize or an Olympic medal
- a lesser-known honor that is acknowledged nationally or internationally
- an exclusive group membership relevant to your field
- Mentions of your writings in specialized periodicals
- scholarly publications you’ve produced for your industry
- more noteworthy contributions to your field
- obtaining a high salary
- sitting on a panel of judges or as a judge for your peers
- occupying key positions for prestigious organizations in your field
O-1B: This area honors those who have excelled in the fields of art, film, or theater. By demonstrating that you have at least three of the following accomplishments, you can be considered.
- the primary or featured position in a work of art
- a high pay that demonstrates your success
- Having won accolades for your accomplishments on a national or international level
- The protagonist or star-crossed role in an established company
- Published evaluations of your work or projects you were a part of that attest to your success
- Acceptance of your accomplishments by prominent businesses in your industry
As we previously stated, in order to be eligible for either visa, you must provide proof of at least three requirements. The three requirements can be replaced, though, if you can demonstrate that you’ve received an internationally renowned honor, such as a Nobel Prize, Olympic Medal, Pulitzer Prize, Grammy, or Oscar.
If your O-1 petition is approved, you will probably be given a three-year initial period of stay with the option of an indefinite extension until your project in the United States is finished.
Who can sponsor you?
Although the O-1 is a formal employment-based visa, your company is not required to be your sponsor. Additionally, your sponsor may be an O-1 visa agent, who is characterized as follows:
Who is your real employer?
A professional who speaks for both you and your company
Someone who has the authority to speak for your employer
Your employer does not have to be based in the United States due to the employment of agents. However, in order to file a petition for a foreign beneficiary, the agent must be a U.S. agent.