O-1 Visa Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

Brief Introduction

For the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements
Two types: A and B
- A - Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television industry)
- B - Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry

Timeline

File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, within 45 days before the date of employment but no earlier than one year prior
Processing time averages around 6 months but if you pay for premium processing ($1,410) then your wait will shorten to 15 days
Once your I-129 form is approved, there are two possibilities:
- If you live in the US, your status will automatically change to O-1 status
- If you live outside the US, you must go through consular processing which involves submitting a DS-160 online visa application form, traveling to a US embassy or consulate, and getting interviewed by a consular officer
If everything goes well, your O1 status will be valid for an initial period of 3 years with the option to extend it indefinitely

具备条件

对于在科学，艺术，教育，商业或运动中具有非凡能力的人，或在电影或电视行业中取得了非凡的成就或已获得国家或国际认可的成就
两种：A 和 B
- A - 在科学，教育，商业或体育方面具有非凡能力的个人（不包括艺术，电影或电视行业）
- B - 具有非凡的艺术能力或在电影或电视行业取得非凡成就的个人

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