The O-1 visa is a working visa available to singers, song writers and performers of "extraordinary ability in the arts, the motion picture or television industry". The O-1 visa is the preferred way for established foreign artists to bring their talents to the U.S. As we know, the criterion stipulates that the applicant be of “extraordinary ability”, however the use of governmental wording in explaining visas can be confusing and sometimes disheartening to those wanting to apply for an O-1 visa. Who is to determine a talent of “extraordinary ability”? Every working singer, song writer and performer is unique in their own way and have talents that others do not possess. It is our job at NextStopLAX to build your case to it’s full potential, highlighting your body of work and strengths, and putting them forward in the most favorable light possible to the immigration authorities.
What differentiates NextStopLAX from other companies that file O-1 visa applications is our expertise in handling and compiling O-1 cases. We recognize that each client is individual and we work diligently for you to prepare and present your case in its strongest format. We are proud to say that it is for these reasons that most of our clients come on a referral basis from friends or colleagues who are happy past clients of ours. Never will you feel unsure of what the process entails and never will you feel like you are not being communicated with clearly. We take pride in our thorough handling of cases and making our clients feel like they have full access to us through the entire process. We file over a hundred cases a year for our clients, and we know the importance of the visa to you and to your career……..remember, we have been there too! Rest assured that if we feel that you do not meet the requirements that are needed to apply for an O-1 visa or that we will not be able to best represent you, we will be upfront and honest with you about it, as it is not in our interests to waste your time or ours!
There is no set maximum period for O-1 status. Theoretically, it can be indefinite. However, the length of the status is determined by the length of time needed for the alien to perform his duties or activities with the petitioner employer. Usually, an initial stay is limited to no more than three years, provided the petition can establish that the O-1 alien will need this much time for the proposed employment. This period may be extended at one-year increments thereafter, upon evidence showing that the alien's continued presence would be required.
The steps in getting your O-1 Visa
The application not only involves a great deal of documentation work to demonstrate the applicant's exceptional ability in his/her field, but also touches many legal issues in fully and appropriately understanding the requirements of an O-1 petition as set by the law. Therefore, if your O-1 petition is prepared with the help of our experienced team, your chances for success are far greater. NextStopLAX proudly offers the following quality services related to O-1 applications:
If you decide to retain NextStopLAX for your O-1 case, we will...
- Effectively communicate with you and your (potential) employer to facilitate their sponsorship for your petition;
- Provide sample recommendation letters applicable to your field, which can be used as a reference for you;
- Review and edit your draft letters of recommendation to ensure that they include the appropriate language and meet the O-1 requirements;
- Help your employer to draft the job offer letter detailing the position, the project, and your qualifications;
- Help you to obtain the affidavit or advisory opinion with an appropriate peer group or independent consulting organization regarding the nature of the work to be done by you and your qualifications; generally for singers and song writers we would attain these from American Federation of Musicians (AFM) and the American Guild of Musical Artists (AGMA).
- Guide you to collect all evidence that in the form of documentation for your O-1 petition;
- Organize all the required documentation for your O-1 petition, including the signed recommendation letters;
- Draft the petition letter on your behalf;
- Submit the completed petition materials to the proper USCIS Center via registered mail; and
- Contact the USCIS for the status inquiry of your pending case.
If the USCIS makes a request for further evidence (rfe) on your pending case, we will respond and submit the additional documentation required for your case to the USCIS on time (at minimum extra charge). As soon as the USCIS makes a final decision on your O-1 application, we will inform you of the result.
