The O-1 Visa is for persons of extraordinary
ability. The visa enables people with extraordinary ability in
the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion
picture or television industry to enter the U.S. for temporary
periods of time.
To be considered a person of extraordinary
ability, you should be considered to be at the top of your
field, and can only work in the US in that area of expertise.
O-1 status can be granted
initially for up to three years, depending on the length of
the employment event which requires the foreign national’s
services. Although O-1 status can be extended,
extensions are generally only granted in one-year
increments.
Your spouse and unmarried children under the
age of 21 may join you in the US under O-3 status. Although
they may not work while in the U.S., family members are
allowed to attend school.
