O-1 VISA - Extraordinary ability

The O-1 Visa is for persons of extraordinary ability. The visa enables people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, motion picture or television industry to enter the U.S. for temporary periods of time.

To be considered a person of extraordinary ability, you should be considered to be at the top of your field, and can only work in the US in that area of expertise.

O-1 status can be granted initially for up to three years, depending on the length of the employment event which requires the foreign national’s services.  Although O-1 status can be extended, extensions are generally only granted in one-year increments.

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may join you in the US under O-3 status. Although they may not work while in the U.S., family members are allowed to attend school.