Every year, people from all over the world apply for visas to live in the United States. These individuals may apply for a number of reasons, including to live with family, for employment, to gain asylum and more. It can be difficult for someone to find themselves at the top of those waiting lists, but there is one list that is even more difficult to even get on — the O classification visa list.
Visas with an O classification are those set aside for noncitizens to visit the United States for temporary purposes. To obtain an O visa, the applicants must be able to show they possess extraordinary abilities in their chosen fields, including science, art, education, business, athletics and entertainment.
Proving your eligibility
Obtaining an O visa requires more than simply asserting that you are excellent in a given field. This must be proven through knowledge, ability, expertise and accomplishments. Additionally, you must be able to support this claim with the opinion from an authority in the field. Finally, to successfully apply for an O visa, you must be committed to working in your field while visiting the United States. It is not enough to simply possess extraordinary abilities to visit the country, as a person must exercise those abilities while here.
In addition to allowing entry for an individual of extraordinary ability, there are a number of others who may gain entry through an O visa. The people who work with or assist the original applicants are often allowed in under this classification, as are the families of the original O-1 applicant.
Applying for a permanent or temporary visa requires a thorough understanding of the relevant laws and procedures. For assistance in applying for a visa, contact the experienced Florida immigration attorneys at the Law Office of K. Dean Kantaras.