What do we understand by an 0-1 Extraordinary Ability visa?
Over time, the government of the United States has spread its arms to welcome stars in each field of effort to work under the 0-1 extraordinary ability visa category. That being said, you must prove that you are eligible for this visa through extensive documentation.
In this article, through answering a series of questions, you will get to understand all you need to know about the 0-1 extraordinary ability visa extensively.
How do I become eligible for 0-1 Extraordinary Ability status?
Well, the requirements hugely depend on the field in which you claim to be extraordinary, that is to say, that the criteria differ between those in the business, science, athletics, or education; likewise those in the arts and people in television productions, and motion picture.
If I have Extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics, what are the requirements expected of me (0-1A)?
Before we delve into this, we would like you to know that you have to exhibit a certain level of expertise showing that you are among the small percentage that has risen to the very top of the particular field of endeavor for you to be considered eligible under this visa category.
To achieve this, you must prove such national or international acclaim and this can be done by submitting documentary evidence such as;
- Evidence of nomination for or receipt of a major award recognized internationally though this is not specified to Nobel Prize, Olympic medal, Pulitzer; or
- Submit any three or more of the following listed below:
a. You must present a receipt of awards recognized either nationally or internationally;
b. You must prove membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievement to become a member;
c. You must have published materials about yourself in professional or major trade publications;
d. You must have Judged the work of others;
e. You must have an original scientific or scholarly work that is relevant in the field;
f. You must provide evidence of authorship of scholarly work;
g. You must provide evidence of employment in a significant or important capacity at an organization with a well-known reputation; or
H. You have previously commanded or will command a high salary when compared to your contemporaries in the field.
If I have extraordinary ability in the arts, what are the requirements expected of me (0-1A)?
For this to be achieved, we would like you to know that the applicant has to show a certain level of expertise indicating that he/she has a high level of achievement and has risen to the very top of arts for the applicant to be considered eligible under this visa category.
To back up such a claim of distinction, the applicant can prove this by submitting documentary evidence like:
- Evidence of nomination for or receipt of a major award recognized internationally such as Grammys, Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Director’s Guild Award, or
- Submit any three or more of the following listed below:
a. You must have played the lead role in productions that have a distinguished reputation;
b. You must have critical reviews in well-known newspapers or trade journals;
c. You must have played a lead role for an organization that has a respected reputation;
d. You must show a systemic history of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes;
e. You must have relevant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other acknowledged professionals in the field; or
f. You have previously or will command a high salary.
If I have an Extraordinary Ability in motion picture and television productions, what are the requirements expected of me (0-1B)?
Please refer to the criteria we mentioned in -1A “extraordinary ability in the arts” because for you to be qualified under 0-1B is pretty much the same criteria as O-1A “extraordinary ability in the arts” except that you must meet a higher standard.
In a bid to back up such a claim of distinction, the applicant can prove this by submitting documentary evidence such as:
- Evidence of nomination for or receipt of a major award recognized internationally such as Grammys, Academy Awards, Screen Actors Guild Awards, Director’s Guild Award, or
- Submit any three or more of the following listed below:
a. You must have acted or will act as a lead or starring participant in productions or events that have critical reviews, contracts, or endorsements, publicity releases, advertisements, publications resulting in having a distinguished reputation;
b. You must have received recognition for achievements either national or internal;
c. You must have acted or will act as a lead or starring participant in/for organizations and establishments that are known to have a distinguished reputation;
d. You must show a systemic history of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes;
e.You must have relevant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other acknowledged professionals in the field; and
f. You must have earned a high salary or other tangible remuneration for services when compared to your contemporaries in the field.
In a bid to support an 0-1 petition, what are some examples of evidence that may be submitted?
- You can submit an advisory opinion from a significant union or management organization
- You can present an advisory opinion from a professional source
- You can submit affidavits by professionals and/or employers
- Contracts
- Awards
- Publications
- Tax returns
If as an athlete, I need my coach to accompany and assist me in the US, what visa does he require?
If as an 0-1 visa holder, you belong to the category of people who need their coach or anyone who can offer a level of assistance to you to enter the US with you, you can apply for an O-2 visa.
We have listed below the major criteria required for O-2 visa applicants?
- You must play an important role in the performance/game/event;
- You must have uncommon critical skills and experience that cannot be performed by other individuals (note that this has nothing to do with the pre-existing long-standing working relationship in respect of O-1B); and
- You must maintain a foreign residence that you do not intend to forsake.
How long does it take to approve 0-1 and 0-2 visas?
Well, we can say that the duration depends on the time needed to finish the intended purpose of entry. That being said, an 0-1 will be issued for a maximum of 3 years at the onset and can be increased by one year, if need be. Furthermore, you are permitted to enter for 10 days before the validity period and stay for 10 days after the validity period has expired.
Is it possible for me to bring my spouse and children?
Your spouse and dependent children are permitted to obtain 0-3 visas, this visa makes them eligible to live in the United States for the allowed duration but neither of them is permitted to work during their time in the United States.
What is the time duration for processing my application?
When it comes to processing the 0-1 visa, it requires two stages which are petition and application. As for the petition processing time, this to a great extent depends on where you are filing, if USCIS requests further evidence (“RFE”) or if you opt for premium processing.
In a situation whereby you settled for the premium process, your petition will be ready within 15 calendar days because if USCIS requests further evidence, it must not be processed within 15 days of the initial submission, this is where the premium can come in, else, it can take numerous months to get ready. Then, the application stage is usually fast though this depends on the embassy you are using.
Is it possible to self-petition?
Unfortunately, a self-petition for intended self-employment or an application based on speculative employment will not be accepted.
In conclusion, we have succeeded in summarizing all you need to know about visas for Extraordinary Ability by simply answering all the questions that you may want to ask about the visa.