Immigration / O-Visa

The O visa is suitable for particularly talented individuals (“extraordinary ability”) who wish to work for a company or organization in the USA. It gives the applicant a work and residence permit for a limited period of time.

Exceptional ability in this sense may be demonstrated by a particularly high level of skills and abilities in the respective specialist area, by proof of above-average training or by persons who are considered to be at the top of their respective field of work.

The qualifications are divided into the categories O-1A, O-1B and O-2.

The O-1A category includes people who are active in the fields of science, education, business or sport. Proof of special qualifications can be provided, for example, by an international award such as the Nobel Prize, or by publications or membership of certain national associations.

The O-1B category includes people who work in the fields of art, film and television. Special skills can be demonstrated here, for example, through awards such as the Academy Award, Emmy and Grammy.

In both categories, exceptional remuneration can also be provided as proof.

The third category, O-2, includes persons who play an indispensable role in a project from category O-1A or O-1B and must therefore also enter the country.

An advisory opinion, i.e. an expert opinion from the relevant US professional association or US trade union, is also required to obtain an O visa. In addition, the O-1 petition must be submitted to the USCIS immigration authority. During the actual application process, the applicant must regularly appear in person at the consulate.

The application for an O visa is submitted by the respective US company or organization or a US agent appointed for this purpose.

Our team will be happy to help you apply for an O visa.