If you have exceptional talent in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics, you may be eligible to apply for an O-1 visa.
A remarkable ability One of the most common visa programs is the visa. It has allowed many people to live and work in the United States while pursuing their specific areas of expertise. The ability could be at the highest level of performance or run a globally successful business.
Here’s everything you need to know about extraordinary ability visas, including how to apply and whether your job qualifies.
What Is an Extraordinary Ability Visa and Who Is Eligible for It?
Individuals with extraordinary abilities can enter the United States with an extraordinary ability visa. The person must be going to the United States so that they can keep working in their field.
This type of visa is not available to individuals who are not internationally recognized experts in these fields. The applicant’s profession should have national or international recognition.
You can apply for an “extraordinary ability visa” if you meet at least two of the following requirements.
- Has received internationally recognized prizes
- Was featured on national television and other major media channels
- You work with motion pictures or television
- Have scholarly articles published in major trade publications
- Has held the position of head of a major academic department.
- Has made international business-related contributions
The Benefits of Having a Green Card Through Extraordinary Ability
There are numerous advantages to obtaining a green card through exceptional ability. For starters, you can live and work in the United States permanently. You will also be able to use federal benefits and programs like Medicare and Social Security.
After five years, you will be able to apply for US citizenship. Finally, having a green card through extraordinary ability gives you the assurance that you can stay in the United States as long as you maintain your status.
How to Apply for a Green Card Through Extraordinary Ability
The first step is to speak with an experienced immigration attorney to see if you are eligible for an extraordinary ability visa. If you do, the next step is to gather proof of your exceptional ability. Some examples are: getting a major international award, being featured in the media, and getting letters from experts in your field.
Once you have your proof, you must send it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with your application.
If you receive a green card as a result of this process, it will be valid for ten years and renewable indefinitely.
After five years, the USCIS may approve a permanent resident petition on behalf of those who received a green card through this process. To become a naturalized US citizen, you have to meet more requirements, such as:
- Continuous residence in the U.S. is of major significance
- Good moral character
- Attachment to the Principles of the Constitution
- Proficiency in a foreign language
Who Are the Priority Workers for EB1 Visas?
Priority workers for an EB1-Visa are professionals with critical or essential capacity in the sciences, arts, education, and business. Most of the time, these workers are people who have been recognized nationally or internationally for a long time in their field.
To get an EB1-Visa, a person must show that they have been recognized as outstanding in their field and that they have done a lot to document their achievements.
What Are the Required Documents for Eligibility?
You must have outstanding achievements in your field to be eligible for an extraordinary ability visa. It can be demonstrated through awards, media coverage, or other forms of acknowledgment.
You will also need to demonstrate that you have significant experience in your field and that you are coming to the United States to work in the same field.
Additional documentation, such as letters from experts in your field or evidence of your plans to work in the United States, may be required by USCIS. If you do not yet meet these requirements but anticipate meeting them within a year, you can apply for a temporary artist’s visa (O-1).
Let Elliot Immigration Law Help You with Your Visa Application
For highly skilled individuals who want to live and work in the United States, an extraordinary ability visa is an excellent option. This visa enables you to live and work in the United States without having to go through the time-consuming and costly process of obtaining a green card.
Consider consulting with an immigration lawyer at Elliot Immigration Law if you need assistance with this application. We will help you get all the information you need and make sure that your application is accepted.
If you want to find out if you qualify for this type of visa, please contact us at (404) 890-0372.
