Apply for a Visa With the Help of an Entertainment Visa Lawyer

We're Dedicated to Helping Make It Easier to Work in the United States and Get Your Entertainment Visa. 

Get Assistance With Applying for an Entertainment Visa

Individuals working in the entertainment industry who have been recognized for their extraordinary abilities may qualify for a specialized visa. This type of visa is ideal for those wanting to work in the United States for a short time. 

However, the process of applying for a United States entertainment visa can be complicated. There are many forms to fill out and unique criteria to meet. Working with a lawyer for an entertainment visa is the best way to make the process stress-free. 

The specialists at O1 Experts are here to guide you through preparing and applying for an entertainment visa. Our lawyers will take the time to learn about your unique circumstances, ensuring your application gets approved. Contact us to learn more. 

What Is an Entertainment Visa?

Another term for an entertainment visa is an O-1 visa. This type of visa is designed for those who possess extraordinary abilities in the entertainment industry. It's also a nonimmigrant visa. 

Individuals in the entertainment field can be considered one of the following:

• Actors or actresses
•  
• Makeup artists
•  
• Directors
•  
• Producers
•  
• Lighting and sound designers
•  
• Set designers 
•  
• Choreographers 

What Is Extraordinary Ability?

Possessing an extraordinary ability in the entertainment field is what sets this type of visa apart from the rest. Extraordinary ability, for an O-1B visa, is considered someone who has a "distinction" in entertainment. This distinction can be shown by receiving an achievement, like one of the following:

• Emmy 
•  
• Academy Award
•  
• Director's Guild Award

An individual can also apply for an entertainment visa if they haven't received a significant award or prize. They'll need to show evidence of at least three of the below criteria:

• Performing or having performed as the lead in a critically acclaimed production 
•  
• Achieved international or national recognition for achievements by major publications
•  
• Possesses a record of major critically or commercially acclaimed successes at the box office
•  
• A high salary for their work
•  
• Received major recognition for achievements from various agencies and organizations

Can I Qualify for an Entertainment Visa?

There are some requirements you'll need to meet to qualify for an entertainment visa. Some of these requirements include:

• Visiting the US to work in the entertainment industry 
•  
• Having extraordinary abilities and meeting those requirements
•  
• Working in the US for a qualifying event
•  
• Receive an advisory opinion from a peer group, labor organization, or management organization 
•  
• Get your petition filed by a foreign employer agent, US employer, or US agent

One of the entertainment lawyers will determine if you meet the above requirements before you get started on the application. 

What Is a Work Event?

The work you're doing in the US needs to be a qualifying event for you to qualify. The definition of an event encompasses a wide range of things. These may include:

• Movie or TV show tour
•  
• Filming or pre-production activities 
•  
• Traditional employment 

A series of related events can also qualify for this. Keep in mind that self-employment or freelance work doesn't meet this criteria. 

What Documentation Do I Need?

On top of meeting the qualifications, individuals applying for an entertainment visa will need to have specific documents prepared. These can include:

• CV or resume
•  
• Evidence of your abilities 
•  
• Employment terms documentation
•  
• Letters of recommendation

Our attorneys will schedule a meeting with you to go over what documents you already have. We'll talk about what other items you need to ensure you're prepared for the application process.  

Explore the Advantages of Getting an Entertainment Visa

Applicants can experience many benefits when they receive an entertainment visa. Learn more about what you can take advantage of when you get this visa. 

Recognition of Your Talents

Not everyone can qualify for an entertainment visa. This type of visa is reserved for only the best in the entertainment industry. Take advantage of this opportunity to work with other esteemed individuals in your field by applying for an entertainment visa. 

Flexible

An O-1B visa provides you with more flexibility than other types. You can work for more than one employer or on multiple projects during your stay. Just have one of your employers petition on behalf of the other ones. 

Multiple Extensions

Other visas put limits on how many extensions you can request. With an entertainment visa, you can apply for as many one-year extensions as you'd like. That allows you to continue working on your projects or explore other opportunities. 

Dual-Interest

What's great about an entertainment visa is that you can apply for it with the initial intent to temporarily work and live in the US. You always have the option to change your intent to immigrate to the country and become a permanent resident. 

Bring Your Family and Support Staff

Applicants for an entertainment visa have the freedom to bring their unmarried children and spouses with them. Keep in mind that your children need to be under 21 years of age. They won't be able to work in the US, but they can go to school. 

Beneficiaries of an entertainment visa can also bring their essential support staff with them. These individuals will need to apply for an O-2 visa. 

How the Process Works

Step One: Contact an Entertainment Visa Lawyer

Applying for an entertainment visa can be complicated and overwhelming. Working with an experienced lawyer can streamline the process. 

Step Two: File Your Petition 

Your agent or employer in the US can fill out and file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Workers) on your behalf. You'll need to pay the application fee and submit the required documentation. Your petition can be submitted to one of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) centers in one of the following states:

• Texas
•  
• California
•  
• Vermont
•  
• Nebraska

The form will need to be filed at least 45 days before you start working in the US, but not earlier than one year prior. 

Your employer will receive notice of the USCIS's decision after they review your petition. You can start the application process if they decide in your favor. 

Step Three: Complete Form DS-160

Form DS-160 refers to the online application form for an entertainment visa. You can complete this online. Once you finish it, you need to print out the confirmation page and attach it to your document file. 

You'll list the purpose of your visit and relevant information in this form. 

Step Four: Pay the Entertainment Visa Fee

You can pay your entertainment visa fee through your bank or online. Keep your receipt on hand because you'll need to bring it during your appointment. You may have to pay other fees depending on what your home country is. 

Step Five: Schedule Your Interview

You'll need to schedule an interview at the US embassy in your home country. Make sure you schedule this appointment once you've filled out form DS-160. 

You should schedule your appointment as soon as possible. That's because the US embassy might have a large workload and it could take a while for you to get booked. 

Step Six: Compile Your Documents

Make sure you have all your documents ready before your interview date. Some of the things you'll need to provide include:

• A valid passport
•  
• Photo of yourself
•  
• DS-160 confirmation page
•  
• Approval notice from USCIS 
•  
• Proof you paid the visa fee

Failing to have these documents prepared could affect the outcome of your entertainment visa application. 

Step Seven: Go to Your Interview

In addition to submitting all the necessary documents, you'll also be asked a series of questions by the visa officer. This could include questions about the following:

• The nature of your business in the US
•  
• Your relevant qualifications 
•  
• How long you've worked in the entertainment field 

You can expect to hear within two to three months if your visa has been approved. This timeframe is faster than other types of visas. You can begin to make travel arrangements once you receive news of your approval.

You can pay a premium fee to speed up the approval process. Premium processing means your visa will get approved within 15 days after your interview. 

How Much Does a US Entertainment Visa Cost?

As mentioned above, you'll need to pay various filing and visa fees when applying for an entertainment visa. You can expect to pay a flat fee when working with our entertainment visa lawyers. Our goal is to keep your costs low. 

Talk to an Experienced Entertainment Visa Attorney 

Don't try to attempt the entertainment visa process alone. Prevent mistakes from occurring by partnering with an experienced lawyer. Contact O1 Experts today to book an appointment.