Do I Need An Attorney For My O Visa Application?

If your employer is petitioning on your behalf for an O-1 visa, then it means that you must be a person of extraordinary ability. There are some important requirements that must be met in order to qualify for an O-1 visa, and if you don’t sufficiently demonstrate that you meet those requirements, then your petition may be denied. While an attorney is not a requirement for an O-1 visa petition, it can be very helpful to have an experienced immigration attorney on your side.

Rigorous Requirements For An O-1 Visa

An O-1 visa is designed for people who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. To qualify as an individual with extraordinary ability, there must be evidence that the individual has received an internationally recognized award, such as a Nobel prize or an Academy Award. However, an individual can also qualify if they can demonstrate three of the following requirements:

• Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field
• Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized experts in the field
• Evidence that the individual has written scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals or other major media
• Published material in professional journals, major trade publications, or major media about the individual’s work
• Evidence of participation individually or on a panel, as the judge of others work in the field
• Evidence in the form of letters or affidavits from prominent colleagues who can confirm the individual’s contributions of major significance in the field
• Evidence of employment in an essential or critical capacity in organizations or establishments that have a distinguished reputation
• Evidence of commanding a high salary or other compensation for services

Meeting these requirements may seem like a daunting task. However, an experienced attorney who can think outside the box may help you see that it’s not as difficult as you think. An attorney can help you put together a complete picture of your extraordinary ability and make sure that you have thorough documentation of your contributions and accomplishments.

The entire O-1 visa process can be exhaustive in nature. If you go it alone, there’s a chance you may make a misstep along the way that can hurt your application. To ensure a smooth execution of the process, you should seriously consider hiring an experienced immigration attorney.

Serving Immigrants Can Help

If you are applying for an O-1 visa, you should consult with an experienced immigration attorney to explore your options. At Serving Immigrants, we have extensive experience with O-1 visa applications and can help you through the process. Contact us online or call us at (305) 907-6151 to schedule a strategy session.