It is important to note that the standard for qualifying for an O-1 visa is very high, and it can be difficult to obtain an O-1 visa with little experience. However, if an individual has achieved a high level of accomplishment in their field and can provide evidence of this, they may be able to qualify for an O-1 visa.
In order to qualify for an O-1 visa, an individual must be able to provide evidence of their extraordinary ability, such as evidence of the award of a major internationally recognized prize, or evidence of at least three of the following:
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in their field
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members
- Published material about the individual in professional or major trade publications or other major media
- Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization
- Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation
- Commanding a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services, in relation to others in the field.