Chicago O-1 Visa Lawyer Helping Clients of Extraordinary Ability Enter the United States

The O-1 visa is an immigrant visa intended for individuals who demonstrate excellence in their field. Someone eligible for an O visa has typically received international recognition for their work or has extraordinary ability in the field of sciences, business, athletics, arts, major media, or education. These visas are highly sought after as they offer a pathway to a green card without some of the requirements that other visas, such as a J-1. There are also no quotas like there are with H-1B visas, so an unlimited number of o-1 visas may be awarded each year.

As with any immigration service, the process of approval for an O visa is complicated and involves proving the person’s critical skills and excellence in their field. If you are a person of national or international recognition who would like to obtain an O visa, your first step should be to contact a trusted legal professional for counsel and representation. Your immigration lawyer can help you with the application process to give you the best chances of positive results. Contact the Law Office of Kevin L. Dixler today to learn more about getting temporary or even permanent residency through obtaining an O visa. Call now at 312-728-4610!

What are the Benefits of Getting an O-1 Visa?

For extraordinary-ability individuals, the O-1 visa can be an excellent way to gain temporary residency in the United States. This may be the proverbial foot in the door for soon receiving a green card and eventual citizenship. There are other advantages to using the O-1 visa for entry into the U.S. as well.

One benefit is that, unlike the H-1B visa, which has similar eligibility requirements as the O visa, there is no limit or cap on how many visas are awarded each year. This is a huge advantage as many individuals are denied H-1B visas because there are simply not enough for all of the applicants.

Another advantage to using the O visa as a path to entering the United States is that visa holders may extend their stay past the initial three-year period. So while this is technically a temporary visa, the extensions can continue indefinitely as long as the work that brought the individual to the country is uncompleted.

Some other benefits of getting an O-1 visa are:

• There is no required level of education.
• There is no minimum wage for approval.
• No labor certification process is required.
• The O-1 visa may be used to waive the 2-year foreign residency requirement for J-1 visa holders.

Who is Eligible for an O-1 Visa?

With all of the benefits that come from O-1 visas, there are high standards that come with the application for entry to the U.S. with such a visa. Government agencies reviewing O visa applications look for certain qualities in individuals applying for these visas.

Some eligibility requirements for O visas are that the person is the recipient of an internationally recognized award or that three of the following are true:

• The person has published material in newspapers, professional journals, or other major trade publications.
• The individual is paid a high salary.
• The applicant has made original contributions in their field or other business-related contributions.
• The person has written and published scholarly articles.
• The applicant has received a major award or prize for excellence in their field, such as a Nobel Prize.
• The person has received awards for their participation in a leading role or another critical role in a motion picture.

For help determining whether you qualify for an O-1 visa, please reach out to a trusted legal professional right away. Your immigration lawyer can help you find the comparable evidence necessary to get your O visa application approved.

What is an O-2 Visa?

Similar to the O-1 visa, the O-2 visa requires demonstrating your knowledge and expertise in a field such as the sciences, the arts, business, athletics, performing arts, education, or the television industry. However, O-2 visa holders are assistants and support personnel for individuals entering the U.S. with an O-1 visa. To get approval for an O-2 visa, the person must show that the work of an individual of extraordinary ability cannot take place without your help. You should also provide evidence that your knowledge is specialized and that your role cannot be filled by the U.S. market.

Some examples of people who would qualify for an O-2 visa are a scientist whose lab assistants must travel with them because of their knowledge of the scientist’s work. Furthermore, an actor’s publicist could apply for an O-2 to travel with the actor.

Should You Hire Our Chicago O-1 Visa Attorney?

As with any immigration matter, the laws regarding O-1 visas are constantly fluctuating, and each situation is unique. Before beginning the application process, you should first consult with an experienced immigration attorney with plenty of time practicing immigration law. At the Law Office of Kevin L. Dixler, our attorney has been practicing for nearly 30 years, giving us the edge in helping you get the results you need. We understand the nuances of immigration law and can give you excellent counsel on how to proceed with your O visa application.

Please don’t take on the monumental and complicated task of applying for an O visa alone. Rely on our lawyer’s experience, skill, honesty, and dedication in any legal services related to immigration. We can help you identify and gather evidence to get your O visa approved, including published materials, advertisements, positive critical reviews, box office receipts, awards, and other proof of your extraordinary ability. With an O visa, you may also be able to sponsor your spouse and unmarried children for entry into the United States! Call 312-728-4610 today to get started on the path to a better life.