O Visa for the United States

Individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement may be eligible for the O Visa for the United States. Turn to the knowledgeable attorneys at Pilkington Immigration Law Firm - Calgary, AB, to determine your eligibility and to receive helpful guidance throughout the process. We are with you every step of the way to ensure that your application is filled out and submitted properly. Get more information about the O Visa here and contact us to schedule a consultation.

What is the O Visa?

The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in specific areas. These areas include:

• The Sciences
• The Arts
• Education
• Business
• Athletics

It is also for those who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

The Different O Visa Designations

There are three categories that the O-1 nonimmigrant visa for the United States encompasses. They are as follows:

O-1A: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures, or television industry).

O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

O-2: There are individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. For an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A’s activity. For an O-1B, the O-2’s assistance must be “essential” to the completion of the O-1B’s production. The O-2 worker has critical skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1

Eligibility for the O Visa

To qualify for an O-1 visa, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim. Their intention must be to come to the United States temporarily to continue work in their specified area of

What is Meant by Extraordinary Ability?

For the fields of science, education, business, or athletics this refers to a level of expertise that indicates this person has risen to the very top of their field of endeavor. This group contains a very small percentage of people and

For the field of arts, the term extraordinary ability means distinction. Distinction means a high level of achievement in the field of the arts evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that a person described as prominent is renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts.

For the motion picture or television industry, the beneficiary must demonstrate extraordinary achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered to the extent the person is recognized as outstanding, notable, or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

Contact Pilkington Immigration Law Firm - Calgary, AB

Gain more understanding of the O Visa and get the process underway with the help of Pilkington. Get in touch with us to schedule your appointment today. Our attorneys are available to answer your questions and to address your concerns.