Some common O-1 myths and legends — dispelled
But wait, you may think, isn’t getting an O-1 visa impossible? Not at all. In fact, hundreds of people have successfully obtained an O-1 visa through an agent, and you could too.
Let’s walk through the process and dispel some common myths along the way:
Myth #1: The O-1 visa is only for famous people.
This is a common misconception arising from the high-profile individuals in the entertainment or sports industries who do sometimes hold this visa.
In reality, the vast majority of O-1 visa holders are not household names: The key is having achieved significant recognition in your field through awards, publications, media coverage, and other forms of acclaim.
Myth #2: You need a Nobel Prize, Ph.D. or patents to get an O-1 visa.
False. Just as the O-1 visa is not the exclusive preserve for the rich and famous, nor is it a visa reserved for the next Einstein or Hawking. The O-1 visa is just as readily available to those working in industry as those in the academy.
Myth #3: You need dozens of citations.
Wrong again. While citations can certainly help your case if you are applying based on academic recognition, they are certainly not required.
To meet the criteria for an O-1 visa, you must fulfill at least three of the eight criteria available. Let’s delve into each criterion that you should consider applying for and explore how you can approach meeting them.
Myth 4: You need a standing job offer from a US employer.
While having a job offer from a US employer can help with your O-1 visa application, it is not a requirement. The visa is available to individuals who have an itinerary or schedule of planned activities in the US, which could include performances, lectures, or consultations.
Note, however, that if the application is not supported by a visa sponsor, the applicant must use a designated agent. Note, however, due to a rule clarification in 2016, the petitioner can be a company that the applicant themselves owns: In short, this visa category is a legitimate option for entrepreneurs as well as regular employees.
To meet the criteria for an O-1 visa, you must fulfill at least three of the eight criteria available. Let’s delve into each criterion that you should consider applying for and explore how you can approach meeting them:
