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O-1 Visa Lawyers in Seattle

O-1 is a work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. The O-1 gives you three years of work authorization in the United States that can be renewed indefinitely.

You do not need to meet a minimum salary requirement, hold a college degree, be a Nobel Laureate, or rockstar to get your O-1 approved. Distinguished entrepreneurs, researchers, engineers, start-up founders, athletes, models, artists and other creatives are eligible to apply. You show you have an extraordinary ability in your petition by meeting certain criteria.

If you’re interested in pursuing an O-1 visa, it’s critical to book a consultation with our Seattle immigration lawyers to determine your qualification.

What does “Extraordinary Ability” mean?

To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by “sustained national or international acclaim”, and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

Extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that you are one of the small percentage who have arisen to the very top of the field. Therefore, extraordinary ability generally means that you are an expert and have received recognition in your field.

Extraordinary ability in the field of arts means distinction. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are prominent, renowned, or well-known in the field of arts nationally or internationally.

To qualify for an O-1 visa in the motion picture or television industry, you must demonstrate extraordinary achievement. This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition significantly above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are recognized as outstanding, notable or leading in the motion picture and/or television field.

Who Qualifies?

At Stelmakh Law, we work with a wide range of O-1 visa candidates, including:

Start-up founders and entrepreneurs

C-suite executives

Key employees / managers / directors

Software developers

Engineers

Researchers

Photographers

UX Designers

Fashion designers & stylists

Marketing & branding professionals

Public relations directors

Athletes & coaches

Chefs & sommeliers

Lecturers

Artists

Architects

Entertainers

Gallery owners

Agents

Producers

Even early-stage founders may qualify. This isn’t an exhaustive list, so feel free to contact us to discuss your unique eligibility.

Eight criteria to showcase extraordinary ability in business, sciences, education, or athletics (O1A visa petition)

You are qualified if you have received a major award (at the caliber of an Olympic Medal or Nobel prize), or you can provide evidence to document at least three of the following:

🏆 You qualify if you have received a major internationally recognized award (such as an Olympic Medal or Nobel Prize)

Membership in an association that requires outstanding achievements to be admitted into membership (for example: a start-up accelerator, an invitation only-business organization, a union of designers, etc.);

Press in major media or trade publications about you or your work;

Judging other professionals in your field (for example: peer reviewing scholarly work of others, serving on a panel, judging a competition like Startup Weekend, or mentoring other professionals in the field as an expert);

Original contribution of major significance in your field (for example: you have created an innovative startup or have discoveries in the scientific field);

Authorship of scholarly articles published in major media or professional journals;

You are a ‘critical’ or “essential” employee (you currently or have in the past played a crucial or leading role in an organization with distinguished reputation);

High salary and other compensation, such as equity, as compared to your peers; and

National or international awards

Evidence to showcase extraordinary ability in arts (O1B visa petition)

The supporting documentation for an O-1B (Arts) petition must include evidence that the beneficiary has received, or been nominated for, a significant national or international award in the particular field (such as an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy, or Director’s Guild Award) or evidence of at least three of the following criteria:

You have performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events that have a distinguished reputation, as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements;

You have achieved national or international recognition for achievements, as evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the beneficiary in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;

You have performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation, as evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;

You have a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;

You have received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the beneficiary is engaged. Such testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of the beneficiary’s achievements; or

You have either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

For additional questions regarding your O-1 visa qualifications, speak with our trusted Seattle immigration lawyers to discuss your immigration needs.

O-1 Visa Lawyers in Seattle

What does “Extraordinary Ability” mean?

Who Qualifies?

Eight criteria to showcase extraordinary ability in business, sciences, education, or athletics (O1A visa petition)

Evidence to showcase extraordinary ability in arts (O1B visa petition)

Advantages of the O-1 Visa

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