The O-1A visa, often referred to as the "genius visa," is a visa category that is frequently misinterpreted. Despite the common belief that it is exclusively for celebrities, athletes, or Nobel Prize winners, that’s not the case.
Numerous individuals are eligible for the O-1 visa due to their exceptional talents in fields like science, technology, and business, including startup founders, researchers, and artists. In this article, we will delve into each of the O-1 visa requirements.
How is the O-1A different from the O-1B?
The O-1A is for individuals with exceptional ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, whereas the O-1B is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or the motion picture or television industries.
Qualifications for applying for O-1A
- How many criteria do I need to meet to qualify for the O-1A?
- You must either have received a major, internationally recognized award or meet at least three of the criteria below:
- Member of an association in the field that requires outstanding achievements;
- There are published material in professional or major media about you;
- You have judged the work of others in the field;
- You have made original contributions of major significance;
- You have written scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media;
- You have been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations of distinguished reputation; and
- You have received a high salary or other remuneration.
- In addition to satisfying at least three criteria, the government also evaluates the totality of all the evidence to determine whether you have extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics.
