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.
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.
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