O-1 Candidate Process and In-take Form
Get Started by Filling Out the In-take Form
You will be contacted by one of our attorneys or office staff to begin the next step of the process. Please answer every question as best as you can to ensure the most accurate evaluation.
The O-1 Visa can be broadly applied to various classes of entertainers, including athlete, artists, and creatives, however the actual application can be quite nuanced. The application must include carefully prepared explanations concerning the terms of the employment opportunity, complete with supporting documents in order to be approved. Our attorneys are savvy to include specific information related to the athlete's industry which can include employment contracts, bout agreements, obtaining the appropriate consultation letters, and circumstances that are unique to combat sports. Below you will find a breakdown of each step of the application process along with a questionnaire to request a consultation.
ADMISSION INTO THE USA
If the athlete is already in the U.S. on a visa, for example a B-1 Visitor visa, then the petitioner may remain in the U.S. while the P petition is being adjudicated. If the athlete is not in the U.S. while the P petition is being adjudicated, then the application will be processed by an Embassy or Consulate outside the U.S. The athlete will have to retrieve the visa from the Embassy or Consulate before coming to the U.S.
O-3 FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN
The O-3 Visa is available to the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of both O-1 and O-2 Support Personnel holders. The 0-3 Visa is usually limited to the same period of time as the corresponding O-1 or O-2 application. The O-2 Support Personnel are not permitted to accept payment but may attend school or college.
EXTENSIONS AND CHANGES
The original O-1 petition can be authorized for up to 3 years as long as the business or activity that supports the petition continues. After 3 years, the petition may be extended for up to an additional 10 years. The O-2 petition for supporting personnel can be authorized for up to 1 year. After one year, the visa may be extended for up to 10 years. After, completing an extension period for the visa, the athlete or support personnel must return home and obtain the next visa at the consular office.
GOVERNMENT FEES AND APPLICATION TIMING
The typical O-1 Visa application takes about 3-4 months to be processed and costs $460 in Government fees.
There is premium processing available for the O-1 Visa. Premium processing costs an additional $1410 and requires the USCIS to make responses within 15 calendar days.