can I apply for O-1 visa to work in the United States? O1 visa, O1 visa, O1 application

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O-1 Visa Application for a Dancer with International Awards

Hi William,

I am a dancer with international awards, What are the requirements of O-1 visa? can I apply for O-1 visa to work in the United States?

Answer,

The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant employment-based visa classification for individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, arts or athletics; or individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and televisions industries. The O-1 application requires a preponderance of evidence that the individual has extraordinary ability. The evidence submitted must demonstrate that the individual is one of a small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

If approved for O-1 sponsorship, the process requires the employer to file a 'Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker' (Form I-129), along with all the supporting documentation that the individual meets the O-1 eligibility criteria. In many cases, even if the O-1 application is approved, the individual must travel home, get the O-1 visa, and return to the U.S. before being able to work in O-1 status.

The O-1 visa is for persons of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, education, athletics, television, and motion picture industry. Short-term work visas are available to certain people doing specialized work, including the O-1 visa for outstanding workers in the sciences, arts, athletics, education, or business. A job offer from a U.S. employer is a basic requirement for the O-1 visa. There is no annual limit on the number of people who can receive O-1 visas.

USCIS decides whether an individual qualifies for O-1 classification. The O-1 visa is employer specific, which means that a USCIS approved petition that was submitted by the employer only authorizes the scholar to work in the position specified in the petition filed by employer.

If granted an O-1 visa, you can typically expect it to be valid for up to three years. However, the specific length of your visa could vary based on the project or event you will be working on in the U.S.

If you need to stay in the U.S. longer than your initial visa allows, you can request extensions in one-year chunks. As long as you continue to meet the high standards of the O-1 visa category, there is no limit to how many extensions you can get.

Be sure to pay attention to the end date on your I-94 card, which is what they staple to your passport when you enter the U.S. This will tell you how long you are actually allowed to stay in the country.