O-1 Visa

San Francisco O-1 Visa Attorney

Helping Immigrants With The O-1 Visa Process Throughout California

For those with a strong aptitude in a given field, there may be an option to obtain an O-1 visa. These work visas allow individuals who have been identified as highly gifted to stay in the country for an initial period of three years before renewing their visa for up to one more year. The Law Office of Zhang has the experience and insight to help you apply for an O-1 visa and get started on the immigration process.

Do you need help getting started with the immigration process? Contact The Law Office Of Zhang today to schedule a consultation with our O-1 visa lawyer in San Francisco.

What Is an O-1 Visa?

In specialized fields such as science, mathematics, athletics, business, or entertainment, enterprises often look for people to work with them throughout the world. The O-1 visa makes it possible for those people to have work opportunities and gain more experience in their field. With the help of an experienced San Francisco O-1 visa lawyer on your side, you can better navigate the complicated process of filling out and submitting the necessary paperwork.

O-1 Visa Application Process

To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer and demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field of expertise. Some examples of extraordinary ability can be shown through publications, awards, memberships in professional organizations, and other methods of recognition. Your U.S. employer or agent will need to file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Next, you will attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy in your home country. Once your visa is approved, you will get your O-1 visa and legally enter the U.S.

What Are The Requirements For A O-1 Visa In The Scientific Field?

In order to obtain an O-1A visa for skill in a scientific field, the applicant must demonstrate that they are:

  • Recognized either nationally or internationally for their achievements
  • Known as top-level experts in a given field
  • Published on a subject
  • Regularly contracted for their specialized skills
  • Uniquely capable of certain functions

To learn more about the O-1 visa requirements, contact our skilled immigration lawyers at The Law Office of Zhang.

Does the O-1 Visa Lead to a Green Card?

The O-1 visa will allow you to live and work in the U.S. for long periods of time; however, it does not lead to a green card. The O-1 is a temporary nonimmigrant visa and may be renewed multiple times; however, it cannot lead to permanent residency in the United States. In order to do so, you must change from a nonimmigrant classification to an immigrant one, such as an employment-based visa category (EB-1, EB-2, or EB-3) or a family-based one. You can do this via adjustment of status or applying for an immigrant visa.

Do you need help getting started with the immigration process? Contact us online to schedule a consultation with our O-1 visa lawyer near you.

Different Visas for Different Skills

The O-1 visa is not only for those with a high aptitude in science — the O-1B visa is geared more toward those who work in the arts in some capacity. For example, if you are an internationally recognized painter who wishes to spend some time teaching in the United States, you may be eligible for this visa.

What Other Visas Are Available?

Other O-1-related visas include:

  • O-2 visas – For individuals accompanying O-1 visa holders to the U.S., this visa allows them to occupy the role of an assistant by offering the skills necessary to help them fulfill their duties. For example, if an artist has a team with them to assist in production, those assistants may be able to obtain this visa.
  • O-3 visas – Spouses or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders can apply for these visas.

Contact The Law Office Of Zhang today to schedule a meeting with our San Francisco O-1 visa attorney.

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