1. Tell me about your artistic life
Jessica Glenn Rookeward is originally from Sydney Australia, now living and working in New York, NY as a performer in Musical Theatre, Film and Tv. Miss Rookeward has been performing since a very young age and since the has accomplished a rather impressive resume. 
Since moving to New York to study at AMDA – the American Musical and Dramatic Academy, where she graduated in 2017 with a degree in Musical Theatre, she has performed in NYMF – The New York Musical Festival in UNITED WE STAND as a soloist; FREDDIE – as Stacey, a new play; Equity stage reading of MARGIE DITCHES THE EXPANDABLE PIG – Louise; THE DIVINE MISS BETTE (American Tour) – Harlot (Neil Gooding Productions); ASCAP/TDP Scholarship Cabaret at Don’t Tell Mama; FIREFLY: Bluegrass Cabaret (Inara). She has also done a few tv appearances as extras on THE GRAND TOUR add for Amazon Prime; and an extra on LOVE IN NEW YORK – a Chinese tv show. Highlights of her career thus far have been playing the lead role of WENDLA in the prestigious ATYP’s Australian production of SPRING AWAKENING, with which she was nominated for two Sydney Theatre Awards – Best Newcomer and Best Performance by a Female in a Musical. 

2. What are you currently working on right now?
Right now, I am shooting a mini series for the History Channel in New York. A part from that I am constantly auditioning daily for musicals and plays as much as I can, plus still sending in audition submissions for project in Australia and London. Working three jobs and also working on my own scripts I am writing. 

3. What visa are you on right now?
Right now, I am on my O1 work visa.

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
The main difficulties I have faced is rejection of jobs either theatre or film based on the old VISA I was on (OPT) or the fact I didn’t have one (the limbo time when my old visa had finished and I was waiting for my new one). No agents or managers would take me since I “wasn’t a guaranteed thing” due to not having a visa,  but now on my O1 I can get an agent, work on more tv and film networks and be available for the next three years, not limiting me to projects. 

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Get started early, collect as much information on yourself as you can, even if you don’t think its useful it is better to have more than less – be open to your credits or information not being enough, there are other ways. It is possible, even If you can get a sponsor or petitioner - there are options out there. One thing for me that I found hard was the emotional stress and worry it had on me, worrying “will I get it”, “What more can I do to get it”, “I’m not ready to go home”. That was the hardest part about the process, the stress it created. But thanks for Marcus Yi, he led me through this so well that I believed he could get me there to the best of his ability and made me feel as confident and calm as I could going through the process. A lot of the time my school and casting people would tell me to go home since I wouldn’t work here on certain VISA’s but that’s not true, it can happen,  it will happen, it is happening. Go with someone who you feel completely confident in to handle your case, that’s how I felt with Marcus.
​
For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

1. 1. Tell us about yourself 

 I’ve been working in the publishing industry for four years, editing and acquiring books for Skyhorse Publishing, an independent publisher in New York City. I’m originally from Singapore. I studied English at the University of Virginia.

1. 2. What immigration application did you apply for?

I applied for a H-1B1 visa, which is a specialty nonimmigrant visa for Chileans and Singaporeans.

3. Was the process difficult for you?  
The H-1B1 visa is a pretty straightforward visa, though I personally encountered some problems with my application at the US embassy in Singapore. It can be a pretty intense process if you’re not ready for it, and till today, I have to prepare myself mentally before the interview. Of course, it depends on the interviewing officer—it can be a simple and easy process as well.

4. What advice would you give others seeking the same immigration benefit?   
For the H-1B1 visa, just have your paperwork in order, rehearse the interview process with your lawyer, and overprepare, even if you may not need all the documents. It’s better to be ready than not. Also, give yourself enough time to get everything together and schedule your interview; it will give you more peace of mind.
 
5. How do you think immigrants benefit the United States?
 We bring so much diversity to the US—not just on paper, but also in terms of our work ethic and educational training and background. For example, I’m able to combine my rigorous Singapore school training with the more creative and freeform way Americans work, and bring a balanced work ethic to my company.

​​​Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, our NYC based  lawyers are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​​

When actor Nick Fang needed a New York O1 Visa Lawyer to help him apply for the Extraordinary Ability, we were there every step of the way.

1. Tell me about your artistic life
I was born and raised in Taiwan, New York City to me is like a dream stage, I think that’s part of my American dream, a place that actor’s dream come true, so I moved here in 2015 and started my acting career.  I did a few shows from theater play to feature films, I received a lot of opportunities than I did back in Taiwan.

2. What are you currently working on right now?
I’m still doing freelancing acting with a weekly improvisation show in East Village New York, and I signed with an agency right now, I believe that my career can be even better than before.

3. What visa are you on right now?
I’m holding an O-1 (ARTIST) visa

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
When I finally make everything on track, I only have around 35 days to finish all the portfolios and applications, so it was a huge struggle for me, even though if you want to pay full of attention on your application, but I still have auditions and rehearsals to attend, so basically I didn’t really get any rest during those days, but I’m glad that everything paid off now.

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Keep your record for every performance you did, because once you need to apply, you have to do a lot of searching, so it is better if you already have those prepared then started to search your performance during your “final countdown” ​

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

1. Tell us about yourself 
I am an Australian citizen who came to the United States for a meditation retreat and holiday combined and was co-incidentally offered a job that I was uniquely suited for; I decided to give it shot and live in the US for a couple of years. At this point I worked in the media. This qualified me for a an E3 visa. Fast track three years and I meet my husband to be at our yoga school, fast track another eighteen months and we go on our first date. Two years later we were married and now ten years into this story we’ve had a very beautiful life grow up around us in New York. Friends, family, pets, plants, community; it’s a rich tapestry and for this I am very grateful. I’ve swapped media for my biggest passion and have become a Yoga Teacher.

2. What immigration application did you apply for?
The Green Card (Permanent Residence based on Marriage to US Citizen)

3. Was the process difficult for you?
It was much longer than I thought it would be for several reasons. The good news though was that I had temporary rights for work and travel from the start of the process and I knew it was my right as I was legally married to be ultimately successful.  However we still had to do all the work and definitely had set backs along the way. Tracking down paperwork was time consuming. However the delays were mostly backlog in the system, and we were also accused of being a phony marriage twice. Many people are given approval at the interview stage but we were told we would have to come back for a second interview. Despite this threat the two year (conditional) green card just arrived in the mail. When we were applying to have the conditional green card become permanent (removal of conditions), which we did ourselves, we supplied the up to date papers only to be told that we had not supplied enough proof of authenticity. I had thought this stage a mere formality until now and so went out and asked for ten letters from friends, family and colleagues and showed more financials and finally it came through. Three and half years after the original application.

4. What advice would you give others seeking the same immigration benefit? 
Definitely get a lawyer to help with paperwork, it can be confusing. I also heard that applications with lawyers are seen more favorably. It’s also great to have the representation and ease of mind that you are doing things properly. Collate as much evidence as you can, you can’t have too much. Be patient. 

5. How do you think immigrants benefit the United States?
Fresh perspective, eagerness to contribute to the community and strong ties with the outside world. I think it’s good for world peace. 

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

 When composer Hung Ping Chang needed a New York based O1 visa lawyer to help with her O1 application, we were there every step of the way.

1. Tell me about your artistic life
 I am grateful that my artistic life is fruitful. I met so many talented musicians on this journey, who also carry the strong ambition to pursue the great music. It brought me motivation to keep writing the music in order to share more beauty of music with more people. Sometimes, when getting the commissioned piece, it’s really stressful to complete the work before the deadline, but it is always good to have the deadline since it pushes me forward to create the unlimited ability and explore the inspiration in my heart. Besides, I take serious attitude on the rehearsal in order to achieve the perfect interpretation, including preparing the finest score for the musicians, making sure every detail about the music and the solo part before the group rehearsal. It’s always a great pleasure, a wonderful time for me when working with all the marvelous musicians. Although sometimes, the composer’s life is lonely, when the pieces were performed on the stage finally, it’s hard to describe that moment. Especially, when both the musicians and audience came to me and said that they love my music and are inspired by my composition, it is a priceless gift for me. 

2. What are you currently working on right now?
I am working on revising my orchestra piece into Chinese Orchestra version for the concert next year now. In addition to the classical concert, I also work on some plans and projects about scoring for multimedia and musical.

3. What visa are you on right now?
I have O1 visa now.

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
 I think one of the difficulties is to collect enough concerts, especially for a composer. 

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you? 
​I deeply recommend having a good O1 visa lawyer! I am lucky to meet my O1 visa lawyer Marcus Yi who always guided me during this "process". He knows what you need and what you have to work on and is always efficient and responsible on the procedure. And about all the document, I strongly recommend preparing as early as possible. It’s important to know what to prepare and it’s always wise to figure out the correct direction for the artistic visa in the very beginning. Besides, it’s quite important to have and manage the good connection. This helps pretty much on the recommendation letter, contract and press for O1 visa application.

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

Composer/musican JP Jofre was looking for an O1 visa lawyer based in NY to help him with his second O1 application and we were ready to assist.

1. Tell me about your artistic life
I am a composer and bandoneon player. I mostly work with symphony orchestras and chamber music.

2. What are you currently working on right now?
Currently writing 2 double concertos for clarinet-bandoneon and violin-bandoneon, both with string orchestra, piano and percussion.

3. What visa are you on right now?
O-1 Visa

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
Getting documents signed, since most artists are busy traveling. Some times finding a petitioner.

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Try not to pay for petitioner, I've heard many young artist have paid for someone to be their petitioner when most of the time it can be your friend/colleague. Meet with your lawyer first and make sure your recommendation letters and contracts are ready to be signed before you ask your contractors-colleagues to sign the documents.

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

1.Tell me about your artistic life
 
I graduated from the National Taiwan University Of Arts with B.F.A in Acting. During my Sophomore year, I was lucky to join the VMTheatre Company in Taiwan and have been performing professionally since then. I performed with VMTheatre Company in many productions in Taiwan. When I was 21, I was cast in the musical Anything Goes with Asian Pop Star Evonne Hsu and recorded a single with her. I came to New York for further education in Musical Theater and graduated from AMDA in 2016 with performing diploma in Musical Theater. Just like many fifty thousand actors in New York, I went to hundreds of auditions during the OPT year and have been blessed to work almost non-stop after AMDA. I performed in several plays, musicals, dance, and film in New York during my OPT. 
 
2. What are you currently working on right now?
 
Currently, I just made my Off-Broadway debut in Anything Goes at Theater Row. An actor's job is to find a job so I'm still auditioning most of the time. Currently, I'm a dance and voice faculty at 2 art studios.
 
3. What visa are you on right now?
 
Thanks to Marcus Yi's help. I just got my O1 artist Visa.
 
4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the O-1B visa?

The visa application process is very complicated in many ways. It needs to be formal and well written. Not every Immigration officer knows how show business works so it's a lot of work to help them understand the profession. English is not my first language so I do feel stress sometimes while preparing the Visa application. Thanks to my friend Marcus, I finished the application in time before the grace period end. Since I have been working in the industry for a while I don't actually have a lot of performing credits issue. But, finding performance documents is not easy for me. Most of my performing credits are in Taiwan and sometimes it's hard to find the digital copy or digital program. Not everyone you worked with before has time to write you a recommendation letter. Sometimes they are so busy so I have to gently remind them. It took me a while to get all the recommendation ready.
 
5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
 
If you are a student who just got your OPT and would like to apply for the O1 artist visa in the future, Don't wait till the last minute to consult with a lawyer regarding your artist visa. Especially for someone without former performing credits. Marcus will guide you how to wisely choose the performing jobs within the OPT period. And always start early! It took me almost 6 months to file everything.
 
Collect your performing documents as soon as possible. It's a long process so better start earlier. Do what your lawyer told you to do. You might get confused why your lawyer told you to prepare so many paper works. Trust your lawyer, they know what they are doing and you hire them to assist you.
 
The O1 artist visa application is a huge work. You might feel very stressful at the beginning so just focus on one thing at a time. Follow the guide from your lawyer and you will be fine. I'm not a well-organized person, to be honest. So Marcus always reminds me of the deadline for certain documents. That really helps me a lot.
 
Some credits are not really useful for the O1 artist visa. So please ask your lawyer's opinion before taking several projects. For example, student film/educational theater project doesn't really count as a credit. I was quite shocked when I first heard that.
 
Choose your lawyer wisely! I worked with Marcus in the theater before so I know he is very professional and reliable. He is also in the performing art industry so he totally understands how you feel and how/what can you prepare for the O1 artist visa application. Not all the immigration lawyers know anything about show business, so I strongly suggest to work with the lawyer with an artistic background like Marcus.   

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

1. Tell me about your artistic life
I am a NYC based dancer and choreographer. I currently dance for Michiyaya Dance Company, which is an improvisation based all-women 's contemporary dance theater based in NYC. Beside that, I am also a co-artistic director of my own dance theater company, Suku Dance Lab. With Suku Dance Lab, we merge dance with different form, genres, media and style of art as an agency to establish a dynamic and nuanced lens through which to examine community - how human experiences can be deeply unique and simultaneously universal. Additionally, I am also an independent contractor who create, direct, perform and collaborate with different artists throughout NYC. I have worked closely with Yara Travieso, Katie Rose McLaughlin, and with an arts organization called The Creators Collective.

2. What are you currently working on right now?
I am currently working with Michiyaya Dance for our second evening length concert called "Spline" premiering this March 25 & 27 at Manhattan Movement & Art Center (MMAC). You can learn more about Spline here . Together with Michiyaya Dance, we just wrapped up our collaboration with THINX, a woman empowering underwear brand, on the launch of their latest activewear collections. I am also working on our first evening length project called "Me Hago Falta" with Suku Dance Lab that will premiere Fall 2017. I am excited to share that this project was a recipient of the Brooklyn Arts Council (BAC) Grant Award. You can learn more about Me Hago Falta here 

3. What visa are you on right now?
 I am currently a O-1 visa holder.

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
The most difficult part in this process is definitely to get as many press coverage on my work as I can. The fact that I just move to NYC a year ago when I started the process of applying for my O1 visa definitely does not make it easier. I started my dance company at the same time I moved to NYC; I auditioned to almost all the posts I saw on Dance NYC; I applied to almost everywhere looking for a venue or festival where I can present my work. Nobody knows me in this city. I don't have the community or connection that I can reach out to to ask for help. The fact that I am so new in this city makes it really hard for me to get people to say yes, whether it is to write an article about me or my work, to give me an opportunity to work with them, or to say yes to presenting my work. It is a very draining and nerve-wrecking process. To do all these in a year post graduation, to collect proofs and paperworks, showing that you are "extraordinary enough" for someone who probably has no idea what your voice is as an artist to judge your artistic value, didn't seem to make sense and sounded impossible at first. However, the rules are the rules even though they aren't pretty. There's nothing much we can do to change it. But it is doable. Every little things count no matter how little they are. It leads me to one thing and then to the other thing. The good side is, this visa application process definitely give me an extra boost of motivation since I cannot afford to slack because clock is ticking. In the end, I get to kill two birds with one stone - secure my status as a woman immigrant artist in this country and launch my career faster.

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
​Not to wait on others to give you the opportunities to showcase your work. Create your own opportunity. You should in general anyways, but especially in this case. Don't procrastinate, hustle, and don't forget to give yourself a rub on the back.

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

1. Tell me about your artistic life
I am a music composer focusing on scoring for TV, film, advertising and video-game music production. I have also been an experienced guitarist who frequently perform with different bands in New York, Boston and New England area.
 
2. What are you currently working on right now?
Currently, I’m working on scoring some albums for music licensing companies. I am also a mixing engineer for the post production process of the concert I’ve conducted. Occasionally, I’m performing as a bassist and guitarist in New York and Boston. 

3. What visa are you on right now?
O1 Visa

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
Finding the documented evident of past performances was one of the most challenging part of the process. 
​
5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Workload of paperwork will be confusing and frustrating. So, to avoid that situation, you should constantly keep documented records of all your work and organise them no matter how big or small they are. ​

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

When pianist/music director Emiliano Messiez needed a New York based O1 Visa lawyer to represent him, we were there guiding him every step of the way even though he did not enter the United States until getting the O-1B visa.

Tell me about your artistic life
I am a Pianist/Music Conductor and I have been dedicating my life and making my living as a musician for the past 20 years, primarily in the worlds of live performances with different music projects, in musical theater and in piano bars as well, performing lead roles in many distinguished productions and working with multiple and extraordinary artists. My first recorded album (Silencio – Infantino Group – 2004) has been widely received and won the UNESCO Trimarg Award.

What are you currently working on right now?
Nowadays I am working as the lead Musical Director and Pianist for the acclaimed Production Show “Tango Buenos Aires” created and produced by Mario & Daniel Celario exclusively for the Company Royal Caribbean International. 

What visa are you on right now?
Right now I am on an O1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement) 

Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
I must say that applying for this visa was not difficult at all and the main reason was because Marcus Yi helped me a lot with it, making things the right way, easier and faster.

Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Just do it! It is completely worth it and easier than you would think, specially if you have Marcus Yi helping you with the process.


For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

​When theatre maker Ran Xia needed a New York based O1 visa lawyer, we were there to help her transition into working life in the United States.

Tell me about your artistic life
Thrilling. I've been thrown into situations that are far from my comfort zone, which I suppose is what it means to be an artist, especially in NYC. I've been able to find lots of collaborative opportunities. There are many new projects coming up to keep me busy and fulfilled. I haven't had any time to do anything outside of it besides work and daily necessities, and I'm not complaining at all. 

What are you currently working on right now?
I'm working on a few things: 
(1). In a playwrighting lab with the Exquisite Corpse Company. We're creating a series themed Monsters and will have a reading by the end of April.
(2). Putting up a production of my one act Word Play at Radioactive Festival in late may 
(3). Directing a play called Disability by Ivan Faute during Planet Connection Festival in June
(4). Developing a forum play about women's issues in modern society from the perspective of Disney princesses. That has a workshop on June 7 but we'll do a site specific production later in the year. 
(5). Harmony, a virtual play about online surveillance in China and the environmental issues there as well. 
(6). In initial development stage of A Woyzeck, a contemporary take on and free adaptation of Woyzeck. 
(7). I'm a part of a series created by the Elephant Room theatre company in response to the North Carolina anti LGBTQ bill. 

What visa are you on right now?
O1

Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
The waiting was the toughest. Going backwards chronologically, I finally have my visa on 3/7/2016. My interview was on 2/23, which meant I waited in agony for about 2 weeks. 
I submitted all my materials on Nov 23rd. 2015, which was 2 months after I had already left the US. Lots of people pursuaded me otherwise because they said I might not be able to get back. 
I met a friend in Shanghai who were also waiting for her O1. She still haven't heard anything from the immigration office. So I'd say waiting was the toughest part. 

Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Your lawyer can be the most amazing and resourceful person in the world, which in my case, yes I had a great lawyer who knew all the nooks and cranies of the whole things, but it's up to you to keep working. It's a cliché to say "can't stop won't stop", but clichés are mostly true. You have to build a strong, and current portfolio. Also don't stop working even when you're away. You need to stay relevant and in touch with you former and future collaborators.

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

When actress/singer Jann Punwattana needed a NY based O1 visa lawyer, we were there to help her along the way.​

1. Tell me about your artistic life
My name is Jann Punwattana. I'm a stage actress based in NYC and Thailand. I do musical theater most of the time. I've been in NY for three and a half years now. And my previous musical is an Off-Broadway called A comfort women - A new Musical. 
      
2. What are you currently working on right now?
I am now working with a theater troupe in NYC named Sandbox for our new project that will be launched in the end of May. Also the play,Piece on War, that played last year just got invited to the actor studio in Poland in 2017. And this summer I will be going back to Thailand for the re-run of "Mom the musical" 

3. What visa are you on right now?
       I'm on an Artist Visa right now and will be until 2018!!!! 

4. Tell me about any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
The difficulties for my case was the translating. Since you have to include everything that you've been working on and most of my experience working professionally as a musical theater actress was back in Thailand, I needed to translate every single documents into English. All the papers include press, playbill, article, interview, poster etc. Those stuff took a lot of time.

5. Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
My advice for people who would like to apply for an artist visa is collecting everything about you, everything that has your name, your photos, you never know it might be useful. The most important thing is to trust your lawyer!!! Keep contact with your lawyer. Ask questions, and set the timeline. Timeline would help you get things done faster. 

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.​

About Trystette: Performance art, singing/composing has been my artistic trail since the late 80's when I was based in Berlin, Germany.

I am a New Zealander who has lived in five countries and share my journey through both music and performance. I come from a multi media background and this is apparent in my work.  I perform both nationally and internationally, residing in New York.


My current project is called Alazon In The Quiet Room - Part 1 - a  theatrical show that myself and fellow artists are building and performing - about 75 mins of songs and performance from my last three decades and from my new album combined with performance art by fellow American artists in New York city.  My new album Alazon In The Quiet Room will be released mid 2016.

What visa are you on right now?
I am on a 0-1 Artist of Extraordinary Ability - this is my 5th 0-1, four renewals with the same sponsor and one change of sponsor after the first 0-1 in 2003.

Were there any difficulties you may have faced while applying for the visa?
There is a huge amount of material one must supply to support the evidence to attain an 0-1 visa.  Proof of press reviewing your work is imperative and this requires a lot of work to make sure you have the right PR and the attention of the press. Also, traveling out of the USA continent  to have your visa verified, even once it is a approved as the final interview is at a US Consulate in your homeland or a country where you have a work-relation or reason for being there,  you cannot presume your visa will be issued in a timely manner and you sometimes have to wait it out. This is very costly if you are already based in the USA.

Do you have any advice for people who might want to apply for the same visa as you?
Applying for an 0-1 visa requires stamina and concentration, it is not an easy visa to obtain so be prepared to do the work and go the mile. The visa is usually for three years once you receive it, but time travels fast and you must always keep in mind the preparation for the renewal or time will creep up on you.  This is a visa dedicated to academics or creatives with staying power - not for wimps! Choose a lawyer that will only submit once they are sure you have enough evidence - a refusal is a refusal, point blank. This is why I chose Marcus Yi,  he is strict about what will or won't make the grade and you need this.  He understands artists and their issues very well and is always there to help you find a way to reach your goal. At the same time he remains constant about what will push you forward. You need this.  You need a lawyer that really cares about your future.

For more information about the O1 / Artist visa check out our O1 / Artist Visa Application Guide and O1 / Artist Visa Immigration FAQ.

Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are NYC based O1 / Artist Visa lawyers devoted to guiding you through US immigration law. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.