O1 / Artist visa Frequently asked questions
What is the Artist Visa?
The artist visa, or O-1B Visa for Extraordinary Ability, is the visa most commonly used by artists to gain entry into the United States for work. To qualify for an O-1B Visa / Artist Visa, an artist must show a high level of achievement in the field of arts as evidenced by a degree of skill substantially above that of the ordinary artist.
Can I apply for the artist visa myself?
No. In order to apply for the artist visa, you need a sponsor or petitioner to apply for you.
Who can be my O Visa petitioner?
Any U.S. citizen, U.S. company, or agents for a foreign company that is based in the United States may petition for you. For more information on petitioners please go here.
Can I freelance on the O visa?
It depends on what you mean by "freelance". It is possible for someone on the O visa to work with many different employers during their period of stay. Depending on how an artists applies, they need not work solely with a single employer.
What is a "consultation letter"?
A consultation letter is a written advisory opinion from a peer group, or labor organization with expertise in the artists' area of ability. For a list of appropriate peer groups, or labor organizations, please go here. Peer groups and labor organizations usually require artists to submit documentation that they will be submitting to immigration. A filing fee may also be required depending on the peer group or labor organization.
How long is the artist visa or O-1B Visa valid for?
The O-1B visa maybe valid for a maximum of three years. However, this is dependent on the itinerary that you submit to USCIS.
What is an "itinerary"?
An "itinerary" is a calendar of events showing work that will be done by the artist during their period of stay. For every single event, there must be an accompanying contract.
What information do these contracts need to contain?
All contracts must include the name of the employer, the address of the employer, the venue where the duties of the artist will be completed, the nature of the duties that the artist will complete, length of engagement, and the amount of compensation.
How does an artist prove that they are extraordinary?
USCIS has provided several forms of evidentiary criteria in order to determine whether an artist is extraordinary. For a complete list please go here. For more information on how to meet specific evidentiary criteria, please see our blog.
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law so contact us today to schedule a consultation.
The artist visa, or O-1B Visa for Extraordinary Ability, is the visa most commonly used by artists to gain entry into the United States for work. To qualify for an O-1B Visa / Artist Visa, an artist must show a high level of achievement in the field of arts as evidenced by a degree of skill substantially above that of the ordinary artist.
Can I apply for the artist visa myself?
No. In order to apply for the artist visa, you need a sponsor or petitioner to apply for you.
Who can be my O Visa petitioner?
Any U.S. citizen, U.S. company, or agents for a foreign company that is based in the United States may petition for you. For more information on petitioners please go here.
Can I freelance on the O visa?
It depends on what you mean by "freelance". It is possible for someone on the O visa to work with many different employers during their period of stay. Depending on how an artists applies, they need not work solely with a single employer.
What is a "consultation letter"?
A consultation letter is a written advisory opinion from a peer group, or labor organization with expertise in the artists' area of ability. For a list of appropriate peer groups, or labor organizations, please go here. Peer groups and labor organizations usually require artists to submit documentation that they will be submitting to immigration. A filing fee may also be required depending on the peer group or labor organization.
How long is the artist visa or O-1B Visa valid for?
The O-1B visa maybe valid for a maximum of three years. However, this is dependent on the itinerary that you submit to USCIS.
What is an "itinerary"?
An "itinerary" is a calendar of events showing work that will be done by the artist during their period of stay. For every single event, there must be an accompanying contract.
What information do these contracts need to contain?
All contracts must include the name of the employer, the address of the employer, the venue where the duties of the artist will be completed, the nature of the duties that the artist will complete, length of engagement, and the amount of compensation.
How does an artist prove that they are extraordinary?
USCIS has provided several forms of evidentiary criteria in order to determine whether an artist is extraordinary. For a complete list please go here. For more information on how to meet specific evidentiary criteria, please see our blog.
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law so contact us today to schedule a consultation.