Out of all the visas that one could apply for in an effort to spend an extended period of time living and working in the United States, the O-1 Visa is likely the most sought after because it can last for up to three years, is renewable, and puts the qualified immigrant one step closer to receiving a Green Card. While the O-1 Visa is a business non-immigrant visa for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, athletics, or motion pictures, it is actually easier to obtain than many online resources will lead applicants to believe. Having experienced help from a company like PassRight to gather all the necessary materials, will make it both easier and cheaper.
Required Documents
Having five to ten letters of recommendation from people in your field who can attest to your knowledge and ability is a must when applying for the
O-1 Visa. These letters can come from colleagues, bloggers, clients and other acquaintances who are familiar with your work. You will also need several examples of contracts with companies that you’ve previously worked with and be able to prove that you can generate your own income. You can also provide letters of intent from various companies and tourism boards in the U.S. that show your intention of working upon being approved for the visa.
Planned Itinerary
After your initial application is sent in, you will likely get a request for more information, such as a detailed itinerary of your planned visit to the United States. This document should include each state and destination you plan on going to, specific dates, length of stay, who you plan on working with, and any other plans you have while staying there. Of course, you can also put a disclaimer saying that your itinerary is subject to change as no one can really predict how their life will go months and years ahead of time. The goal here is for the United States government to see that you have a solid plan for your time here.
Examples of Your Ability
This is probably one of the most important parts of your application for the O-1 Visa. If you’ve ever contributed to a blog in your field, talked on television, radio, or been featured in a podcast for your talent, this is all evidence of your esteemed position in your field. Speaking at conferences, judging panels, and winning awards or even being recognized in your field is also a great way to showcase your ability to U.S. Immigration. As someone who is an overachiever and an expert in your field, U.S. immigration expects that you will be a paid member of a recognized organization that celebrates, acknowledges and advances your talent, so look into becoming a member of an esteemed association or journal. While you only need to have three samples of your ability to apply, the more ways you can showcase your expertise, the better it looks on the application.
It’s Never Too Late
If you’re hoping to apply for an O-1 Visa but after reading this far down the article are thinking that you don’t have enough evidence of your talent, it’s not too late to start hustling for it right now. Pick up a pen and start brainstorming about all the things that you have already accomplished in your field and how you can utilize the contacts you have to do more. Remember that reporter you met at the last gathering you went to? Send him or her a nice email and ask if they would be interested in interviewing you about your latest project. Do you read any online blogs or journals? As an expert in your field, there must be something you can write about that would add to their extensive collection of articles. There are also competitions that you can enter, and you don’t even have to win – just placing well or being recognized is a great way to get your foot in the door. Podcasters are always looking for new guests to interview and professional bloggers are constantly on the hunt for new material to feature on their websites. With a little time and a few clicks on the keyboard, you could be well on your way to establishing your talents and immigrating to the United States.
PassRight Makes It Easier
It can take up to six months from the time you first send in your application to the moment you actually receive your O-1 Visa. However, the most important part of the process is gathering all the evidence and documentation you will need in order to qualify. Whether you are just starting to think about applying for an O-1 Visa or you think you have everything you need and are ready to submit your petition today, it is never too early or too late to contact PassRight. From helping you gather all your information, to providing a call service on how to find evidence for an O-1 Visa, to checking and ensuring your application is completed correctly and all errors are resolved, PassRight’s team of patient and caring people will always be on your side.
So, if you are ready, get started today, and you’ll see that PassRight makes it easier and safer than ever to give your O-1 Visa application its best chance for success.
