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Among the various types of Visa that there exist to work in the United States there is the O Visa, which is granted to people of extraordinary abilities.

What are the fields eligible for an O Visa?

O Visa Professionals who want to work in the United States

Not all professionals can apply for the O Visa. These are limited to individuals who possess extraordinary abilities and who also belong to any of the following fields of work:

  • Science
  • Sports
  • The Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • The Motion Film and Television Industries

An O-1A Visa is granted in the first four cases, while for professionals in the motion film and television industries the O-1B Visa is granted.

Even though it is common to think that this Visa is almost exclusively for artists, some other professionals who may be granted this Visa are:

  • Agents
  • Chefs
  • Athletes and Trainers
  • Brand, Marketing and Advertisement Directors
  • Hair Stylists
  • Photographers
  • Gallery Owners
  • Make-up Artists
  • Painters
  • Producers
  • Sommeliers
  • Furniture Restorers, etc.

What is understood as extraordinary ability for the O Visa? 

These Visas require that the foreigner benefiting from it can be considered as a professional possessing an extraordinary ability.

In the case of the O-1A Visa, the person must be someone who has a background of high quality work and who has been renowned in their field. This quality may be proven through awards, as well as articles published in professional renowned magazines.

In the case of business, the capacity of a person as essential to establish the reputation of a company or their possession of renowned management skills may be demonstrated.

For all cases, a high salary may prove the special work ability.

As for the O-1B Visa, it is necessary for artists to prove that they have attained a level of distinction within their field. That is, they must possess an outstanding reputation that may be attested to through awards, good press, commercial evidence or high revenue in relation to other professionals of their area.