O Visas for Persons with Extraordinary Abilities

Short-term work visas are available to certain people doing specialized work, including the O Visa for outstanding workers in the sciences, arts, athletics, education, or business. Applicants for these visas face high standards, but our business immigration attorneys in Atlanta understand the logistics and legal work that needed to navigate this complex process.

What qualifies as Extraordinary Ability for purposes of the O Visa?

Our business immigration lawyers can analyze your credentials to see if you meet the requisite standard. We generally need to include evidence of one or more of the following:

• You have won an Olympic Medal, an Emmy or Grammy award, a Nobel Prize or some other nationally or internationally-recognized award;
• You have been a member of an association in your field which requires outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field;
• There are publications in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about you and your work in your field;
• You have made important, original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions in your field;
• You have written scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in your field;
• You have received a high salary or other remuneration for services;
• You have judged the work of others in your field.

Can my family come to the United States based on my O Visa?

Yes, your family may come to the United States based on your O Visa. The spouse and children of an O Visa holder can come to the U.S., but they will not be allowed to work based on this status.

Can my support staff or team members come to the United States based on my O Visa?

Your staff and team members may be able to come to the United States based on your O Visa. Visas are sometimes available to essential members of your team whose roles in your work cannot be filled by U.S. workers.