68: 5 Essential Things To Know When Applying For An O-1 Visa
Everyone knows that applying for visas can be an extremely stressful and time-consuming process. Months of preparation and waiting don’t necessarily guarantee that your visa will be approved. Luckily, there are some tips you can use to make this process as painless as possible.
1. Know Which Visa To Apply For
First things first: what is an O-1 visa and why do you need it? An O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals of extraordinary ability to work in the United States for a certain amount of time.
There are two types of O-1 visas: the O-1A and the O-1B. Individuals who demonstrate outstanding abilities in science, education, business, or athletics apply for O-1A visas. Those who work in the arts, motion picture, or television industries apply for O-1B visas. As a working musician, you will apply for an O-1B visa. O-1 visas are initially valid for a maximum of three years – once that period passes, visa holders may extend their visa for one year an indefinite number of times.
Because this is a work-based visa, your petition will need to be submitted and sponsored by a U.S. employer or agent.
More detailed information about O-1 visas can be found on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website here.
2. Apply Early!
One of the most important and helpful things you can do to increase your chances of success is to apply for your visa as early as possible. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) does not provide a set timeline for reviewing visa petitions – sometimes a decision will be made in two to three months and sometimes it can take as long as six months to receive news.
For this reason, it is best to begin the petitioning process at least six to eight months before the visa is needed. A premium processing service is also available, which guarantees a response from USCIS in 15 calendar days, but you will pay a hefty price of $2,500 (compared to the $460 standard service cost).
3. Prepare A Comprehensive Itinerary
A crucial part of your visa petition is an itinerary that describes your intended work in the United States. This should include the names of organizations or individuals you will be working with, the dates and locations of your work, and the fees you will receive. Be as thorough as possible when completing the itinerary, as it will be used to justify your work as a performing artist.
4. Gather Strong Supporting Evidence
What does USCIS mean when they say an individual must have “extraordinary ability” in their field? Essentially, they want to see that the applicant has achieved a high level of skill and recognition in the arts field.
In other words, there is no such thing as submitting too much evidence to prove your status as a highly skilled performing artist. Supporting materials should include:
Reviews from solo recitals, orchestral appearances, chamber concerts, festivals, and competitions
Press promoting concerts you will take part in as a “lead, starring, or critical” role
Background information about prestigious venues where you have or will perform
Reviews and press for albums and other recordings you have performed for
Letters of recommendation from recognized experts or institutions in the field
The key takeaway is to include materials from as many well-known and reputable sources as possible.
5. Be Prepared For The Visa Interview
An important detail to remember is that receiving an approval letter from USCIS doesn’t mean you are automatically granted a visa. You will still need to attend an interview at a U.S. Embassy to meet with a case officer who will review your materials and ask you some questions about your intended stay in the United States.
As soon as you receive your approval letter, file a DS-160 form (which can be found on the Consular Electronic Application Center website), pay the fee, and schedule your interview at the closest U.S. Embassy to you. Wait times can be quite long, so be sure to do this as soon as possible.
When attending the interview, bring a copy of your DS-160 form, your I-797B approval notice, passport, and other relevant documents that will be specified by the Embassy you choose for your interview. Be aware that once your interview is completed, you may need to wait a few days to receive your passport with the visa stamp.
WebsitesUSCIS: O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement