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What to Know About O-1 Visas

Non-U.S. citizens with “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics—as well as non-U.S. citizens with “extraordinary achievement” in the movie or television industry, with national or international recognition for those extraordinary achievements—might be eligible for the O-1 visa. O-1A visas are reserved for those in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, and individuals in the motion picture or television industry

Here are some quick facts about O-1 visas:

  • O-1 visas are nonimmigrant visas, meaning they will not directly lead to U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent status. 
  • The initial length of stay for an O-1 visa is three years, with a chance for unlimited extensions of up to one year. 
  • Individuals with essential or integral skills directly related to the endeavors of an O-1A or O-1B visa holder may be eligible for an O-2 visa. 
  • Spouses or children younger than 21 of O-1 or O-2 visa holders may be eligible for O-3 visas, which are subject to the same conditions as O-1 and O-2 visas. 
  • O-1 visas require a U.S. petitioner, like an employer, agent, or non-U.S. employer through a U.S. agent. In other words, unlike EB visas, O-1 visas are not self-petitioning. 
  • Since the O visa classification became available in the mid-1990s, the number of O visas issued has dramatically increased. For instance, the number of O visas issued in Fiscal Year 2015 (23,680) was nearly four times the number issued in Fiscal Year 1997. Of the 23,680 O visas issued in 2015, 13,865 were O-1 visas, 5,792 were O-2 visas, and 4,023 were O-3 visas. 

U.S. Petitioners must file USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, no more than one year before the O visa holder’s services are needed for the U.S. project. This is a 36-page document that includes evidence supporting the potential visa holder’s extraordinary ability or achievement. The petitioner must also include information about the U.S.-based project for which the visa holder’s services are needed (the itinerary). For more about the supporting evidence needed for an O-1A visa, see our previous blog here; a more detailed explanation of the O-1B prerequisites is available here. 

In addition to filing and submitting Form I-129, those interested in obtaining O-1 visa status must also complete a “consultation” with an advisory group. An advisory group can refer to a labor union, group of professionals in the applicable occupation, or management organization, to give three examples. The USCIS seeks an “advisory opinion” from the group affirming the potential visa holder’s extraordinary ability or achievements. The advisory opinion should be submitted to the USCIS in writing. 

Extending O-1 Visas

U.S. petitioners must fill out and submit another Form I-129 to the USCIS to extend the O-1 or O-2 visa holder’s stay in the U.S. The petitioner must also submit a copy of the visa holder’s Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) and a statement explaining why an extension is necessary. 

RelisLaw PLLC is Ready to Serve You

Our award-winning immigration law firm has deep experience with almost every type of visa, including O visas. Dr. Tamara Relis has practiced law for more than two decades, and the entire team at RelisLaw PLLC is committed to giving every client a positive experience that ultimately yields positive results. Wherever you are in the world, we are here for you. Get in touch with us today to set up a free 10-minute phone consultation.

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We help people from around the world to live and work freely in the U.S., to achieve their dreams, unite families, or escape persecution. No matter what immigration service you need, RelisLaw will provide caring and dependable counsel to you and aggressive advocacy to vigorously fight for you using every available legal avenue. As a global firm, we work with people in countries around the world. We meet clients across the U.S., as well as in New York, Toronto, and Montréal. We also meet with clients globally, located in any country, via Skype and other platforms.
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E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Requirements: A Definitive Guide for Business Owners and Managers - RelisLaw

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa: Comprehensive Guide for Business Owners

U.S. Investment Opportunity: The E-2 Visa

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The **E-2 Treaty Investor Visa** is a non-immigrant classification for foreign nationals investing a substantial amount of capital in a bona fide U.S. business. At RelisLaw, we specialize in maximizing the approval chances for **E-2 Visa Business Entrepreneurs and Managers**.

The E-2 visa allows investors and their **immediate family** (spouse and unmarried children under 21) to live and work in the United States. Initial approval can grant residency for up to **5 years** and is indefinitely renewable as long as the business meets the requirements. This visa is explicitly designed to spur **foreign investment and economic development** in the U.S.

DOWNLOAD: YOUR STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO E-2 VISA SUCCESS

RelisLaw provides the **solid, detailed guidance** you can rely on to build your strongest E-2 Application and successfully secure your future in the USA!

Since 2016, our clients worldwide have chosen RelisLaw, not only for our **meticulous work and consistent Approvals** but also for the continuous support we provide to help them achieve their dreams of working in the U.S.

Be prepared to discuss your **business plan, investment sources, and management role** in detail during your application process. Upon E-2 visa approval, you will receive authorization to start working in your approved U.S. business right away!

E-2 Treaty Investor Visa Eligibility Summary

E-2 Requirement Category Core Eligibility Criteria Definition of Investment
**Applicant & Business** – Must be a **citizen of a U.S. treaty country**.

– Must have already **invested or be actively investing a significant amount** of capital in a legitimate U.S. enterprise.

– The applicant must be coming to the U.S. solely to **develop and direct the enterprise** by having ownership (at least 50%) or a key managerial/executive role.		 – The investment must be **Substantial** relative to the total cost of the business (start-up or purchase).

– Funds must be large enough to demonstrate the investor’s strong **financial commitment** to the business’s success.

– The business must be **Not Marginal** (i.e., not solely created to provide a minimal living income for the investor and family, but must expand employment opportunities in the U.S.).
GET YOUR STEP-BY-STEP E-2 VISA GUIDE NOW
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