Get Help Applying for an O-1 Visa With an Artist Visa Lawyer

Our Team of Lawyers Will Help You With Applying for a US Artist Visa. 

The Team at O1 Experts Is Here to Assist 

If you're an artist with extraordinary talents who wants to work in the United States, you may be eligible for a specialized visa. The O-1B visa is designed for those who've achieved national or international acclaim in the arts field. 

The process of applying for this type of visa can be complicated since you need to prove your extraordinary abilities. Working with an artist visa lawyer will ensure the process goes smoothly. 

The team at O1 Experts is here to help make getting an artist visa stress-free. Reach out to our office to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys. 

What Is an Artist Visa?

An O-1B, or artist visa, is a nonimmigrant visa. It's intended for individuals who possess extraordinary abilities in the arts. 

This type of visa is different from others because it's for those in the upper echelons of their chosen field. 

Arts are defined as any field of creative endeavor or activity. This includes, but isn't limited to:

• Visual arts
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• Fine arts
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• Culinary arts
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• Performing arts

Artists creating in this field aren't limited to only the principal performers or creators. These individuals may include the following:

• Set designers
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• Directors
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• Sound designers
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• Lighting designers
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• Conductors
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• Choreographers
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• Makeup artists

You can do a few things once you obtain an artist visa, such as:

• Work in the US for extended periods
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• Work for more than one employer 
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• Bring your unmarried children and spouse with you

What Are the Benefits of an Artist Visa?

There are numerous benefits you and your family can experience when you qualify for an artist visa. Let's discuss some of the key advantages. 

Extended Stay

You can stay for an extended period with an artist visa. You'll have more time to do the following:

• Complete your projects
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• Contribute to the professional community in the arts
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• Participate in educational activities 

Flexibility

What's great about getting an artist visa is you don't have to work for only one employer during your stay. You can work on different projects or for many employers while in the US. This flexibility allows you to expand your professional horizons and explore diverse opportunities. 

Recognition of Your Skills

You'll get recognized for your amazing abilities as an artist when you receive an artist visa. Only the most elite individuals in their chosen field are honored with this type of visa. Make the most of this unique opportunity to collaborate with various organizations and professionals in the country. 

Bring Support Workers and Family Members

As a beneficiary of an artist visa, you can bring essential support workers with you to the United States to help you with work-related activities and events. Keep in mind that these people will need to apply for an O-2 visa. 

Your spouse and children under the age of 21 who aren't married can also accompany you. Your dependents can go to school in the US with O-3 status, but they aren't able to work. 

Dual-Intent Visa

What's great about an artist visa is you can apply for it with the initial intent to temporarily reside in the US. However, you can also have the intent to become a lawful permanent resident and immigrate to the country in the future. 

Unlimited Extensions

Many other visas put a cap on how many extensions you can apply for. An artist visa allows individuals to work for up to three years with the option to apply for one-year extensions. There are no limits on the number of extensions you can apply for. 

What Are the Requirements for an Artist Visa?

There are a few requirements you'll have to meet to qualify for an artist visa. These include:

• Possessing an extraordinary ability in the arts
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• Visiting the United States to work in the art field
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• Employment in the US needs to qualify as an event
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• Your petition needs to get filed by a US agent, US employer, or a foreign employer through an agent 
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• Need to obtain an advisory opinion from a management organization, labor organization, or peer group

An experienced artist visa lawyer will work with you to ensure you meet the above requirements before getting started on your application. 

Ways to Demonstrate Extraordinary Ability

As mentioned, individuals applying for an artist visa will need to show they have extraordinary abilities in the art field. The two primary ways a person can demonstrate this include:

• Being nominated or receiving major international or national awards or prizes
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• Meeting three other criteria for an artist visa 

There are other criteria you can meet if you haven't been nominated for or received a major award. This may include:

• You have performed or will perform in events or productions that have a distinguished reputation 
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• You've received international or national recognition for achievements 
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• You will command or have commanded a high salary
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• Made innovative contributions to the art field 
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• Participated in a panel or as a judge of others' work in the arts 

An artist visa attorney will work with you to determine what aspects of your career help you meet the requirements for extraordinary abilities. 

What Qualifies as an Event?

The work you plan on doing in the United States needs to qualify as an event. The definition of what constitutes an event is very broad. Some of the things that fall under this umbrella include:

• A lecture series
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• Traditional employment 
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• Book tour

Keep in mind that a series of related activities may qualify as an event. Freelance or self-employment work doesn't qualify. 

Filing of Your Petition

You can't file a petition on your behalf to get an artist visa - it needs to be done by a foreign employer, US agent, or US employer. One US employer can file a petition on behalf of the other employers if you're going to be working for more than one agency. 

Advisory Opinion 

You'll need to receive an advisory opinion from a management organization, peer group, or labor organization to apply for an artist visa. They'll need to discuss the work you're doing in the US and your qualifications.

They can decide whether they approve, deny, or object to your petition. You don't have to get an advisory opinion if a labor organization or peer group doesn't exist in your field. 

What Documents Do I Need to Prepare?

The documents you submit for your artist visa are very important. The documents you submit depends on your qualifications. Standard documents you can expect to submit include:

• Resume or CV
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• Copy of your passport
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• Photo of yourself
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• Evidence of your extraordinary abilities 
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• Letters of recommendation from experts in the art field 
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• An advisory opinion from a peer group
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• Documentation explaining your employment terms 

How It Works

Step One: Hire a US Artist Visa Lawyer

Your artist visa attorney will be with you every step of the way to provide guidance and ensure you fill out the required documents. 

Step Two: Gather the Necessary Documentation 

Failing to provide the right documents and fill them out correctly could result in the rejection or delay of your artist visa. 

Step Three: File Form I-129

Form I-129 is required to apply for an artist visa. Your lawyer will also include supporting documentation when they file this form. Once this form gets approved, you can apply for an artist visa. 

Step Four: Apply for Your Artist Visa

You can apply for an O-1B visa once your form I-129 gets approved. Your artist visa lawyer will work with you to fill out the remaining paperwork and schedule an appointment with your home country's consulate. 

Step Five: Get Approved

Your application for an artist visa will get approved if you meet all the requirements. Most applications get approved within two to three months. The application period for an artist visa is much faster than other types, and it can sometimes take up to a year. 

How Much Does a US Artist Visa Cost?

You can expect to pay a filing fee for the following forms:

• Form 1-129
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• DS-160

You may pay a premium price if you want your visa processed at a faster rate. Additional fees will apply when working with an artist visa lawyer.

O1 Experts strive to keep our costs low. We'll provide you with a detailed quote before we get started. 

Schedule a Consultation With an Artist Visa Lawyer

The process of applying for and obtaining an artist visa can be complicated. It can be challenging to attempt the process on your own. 

That's where O1 Experts come in. We've worked alongside many artists visiting the United States. Reach out to us to schedule a consultation with one of our artist visa lawyers.