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Writer's pictureDye Global Immigration

How Difficult Is it to Get an O-Visa?

Updated: Sep 14, 2023

O-visas are among the most difficult employment-based visas because applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in their field.



The O-visa is a visa available to foreign professionals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Those with a demonstrated record of exceptional achievement in the motion picture or television industry also qualify for an O-visa. Professionals with an O-visa can come to the United States to continue work in their field of expertise. An O-visa may be the right employment option if you seek employment in the United States as an artist, professor, athlete, or business professional.


How Difficult Is it to Get an O-Visa in the United States?

O-visas are considered one of the most difficult employment-based visas to obtain. They are among the most challenging visas because applicants must demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in their field. The qualifications require a higher standard than typical for other employment-based visas, such as the H-1B visa.

Below are some of the things an applicant must have to qualify for an O-visa:


National or International Acclaim

To qualify for an O-visa, the applicant must demonstrate that they have received national or international acclaim in their field of expertise. This can be done through evidence of major prizes or awards, membership in professional associations, publication in professional or major trade publications, evidence of high salary or other remuneration for services, and other forms of recognition.


Record of Extraordinary Achievement

In addition, the applicant must also demonstrate that they have an extensive record of extraordinary achievement in their field and are coming to the United States to continue work in their area of expertise. This can be done through evidence of leading roles in major productions, critical acclaim from reviewers, and other forms of recognition.


Continued Work in Field of Expertise

Finally, the applicant must also demonstrate that they are coming to the United States to continue work in their field of expertise. This can be done through a letter from an employer stating that the applicant is needed for a specific project or event or through evidence that a U.S. company has hired the applicant.



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