An O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or those who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
It is possible to get an O-1 visa with a few years of experience, but the threshold for demonstrating “extraordinary ability” is high. In order to be eligible for an O-1 visa, an individual must be able to demonstrate a level of expertise and accomplishment that is substantially above what is ordinarily encountered in the field. This can include, but is not limited to, receiving major awards or prizes, publications in major media, or holding a critical or leading role in organizations or events in the field.
Additionally the applicatant should have a job offer from a US employer and the employer must file a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the applicant’s behalf.