An O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that is available to individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
In order to qualify for an O-1 visa, you must be able to demonstrate that you possess a level of expertise and recognition that is significantly above that which is ordinarily encountered in your field. One way to do this is by showing membership in associations that are related to your field. However, membership in such associations is not the only way to demonstrate extraordinary ability, and it is possible to qualify for an O-1 visa without it.
Other ways to demonstrate extraordinary ability include:
-Receiving a major internationally recognized award.
-Being the subject of multiple non-self-authored publications in major media about the individual’s work in the field.
-Having a leading or critical role in a distinguished organization.
-Having a record of original scientific, scholarly, artistic, athletic, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.
– Having a high salary or other remuneration in relation to others in the field.
It’s important to note that the evidence that you submit with your O-1 visa application should be specific to your field, and should demonstrate that you have reached the top of your profession.