Things to Consider in the US Gifted (O) Visa Procedures

The US gifted talent visa is a type of visa that allows people who have achieved exceptional success in fields such as the arts, sciences and sports to work in their field of expertise in the United States for a temporary period.

The US gifted talent visa, designated as visa class “O”, is one of the non-immigrant US work visa types. Applications for the US O visa must be initiated by an employer or representative in the US by applying to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services ( USCIS ).

Types of US Talent Visa

US talent visa types are listed below.

  • O-1A: Awarded to individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics.
  • O-1B: Awarded to individuals with extraordinary talent in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
  • O-2: Issued for individuals who will accompany an O-1 performer or athlete to assist at a specific event or performance.
  • O-3: Issued to spouses or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.

Talent Evaluation Criteria for USA O1 Visa

Talent assessment for US gifted talent visa applications is based on different criteria depending on your area of ​​expertise.

If you are an expert in the fields of science, education, economics and sports, you are expected to meet the following conditions.

  • To have national or internationally valid awards
  • Being a member and employee of associations related to the field of expertise
  • Having served as a jury member in the relevant field
  • There must be publications about the applicant in relevant professional journals and/or national newspapers.
  • The applicant must have publications in recognized journals.
  • Having made significant contributions to the field of expertise, such as patents etc.

If you are an art major, you must meet the following criteria.

  • Having taken part in a leadership position in famous productions or events
  • Having international or national recognition in the relevant art branch
  • Having a managerial or critical position in an artistic organization
  • Have achieved commercial success or critical acclaim in field of expertise
  • To be recognized by relevant arts organizations, government agencies or experts

How to Get a USA Talent Visa?

The US talent visa application process must be initiated by submitting an application to USCIS through an employer or representative in the US. The employer or representative must complete the US nonimmigrant worker petition, also known as Form I-129, and submit the application with documentation showing that you meet the required requirements. After the USCIS approves the I-129 form for the US O1 visa, you must obtain the original form.

You must fill out the DS-160 visa application form online by going to ceac.state.gov with the information provided on the I-129 form. You must select “Alien With Extraordinary Ability- O” in the travel information section of the DS-160 form; and enter the 13-digit receipt number on the I-129 form in the Application Receipt/ Petition Number field. In the last step of the online form, you must upload your digital biometric photo and then print the barcoded form approval page.

After completing the DS-160 form and paying the $190 visa application fee at usvisa-info.com, you must make an appointment at the US foreign mission. After submitting the necessary application documents to the US consulate visa unit on the appointment date and providing biometric registration, you must have an interview with a consulate officer in the final stage, thus completing the application process. At the end of the interview, you will be informed whether your US visa application has been approved or not.

Who Can Petition USCIS for a US Talent Visa

If you have an employer in the United States, the USCIS application must be submitted by that employer. Employer applications require the submission of a signed employment contract between the parties.

If you do not have a U.S. employer or are self-employed, the USCIS application must be made by a U.S. representative, manager or agency.

If you will be working for more than one employer in the United States, for example; magazines for fashion photographers, concert promoters for musicians, etc., the USCIS I-129 petition must again be filed through an agent or agency.

Documents Required for USCIS Highly Talented Class Application

Submit the following documents for the USCIS gifted class application.

  • A written recommendation from a peer group (including business organizations) or someone with expertise in your area of ​​expertise
  • A copy of any written agreement between you and the petitioner or a summary of the terms of any oral agreement under which you will be employed
  • Description of activities, start and end dates, and a copy of any itinerary for a tour or series of activities, if applicable
  • Evidence of exceptional ability in science, arts, business, education or athletics, or outstanding achievement in the motion picture industry

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions to our experts about US gifted talent visa applications are answered below.

What are the Required Documents for the US Talent Visa?

In US talent visa applications, you must submit the original US I-129 form obtained from USCIS in addition to standard US visa documents. For the US O1 visa, you must also submit additional documents stating that you will return to your home country at the end of the visa validity period and proving your financial capacity.

You can access the complete and detailed list of documents for the O1 visa by making the relevant selections on the US visa documents page.

How Long Is the US O1 Visa Valid?

The validity period for the US O1 visa is up to 3 years. However, if the O1 visa is issued to cover a specific event, production or activity, it can be issued for a shorter period. The US O1 visa can be extended for 1 year, but you must continue in the same position or activity for which the original visa was issued.

What are the differences between the US O1 Visa and the P1 Visa?

The US O visa is generally suitable for individuals who want to perform or work for a company in the US, while the P visa is more suitable for groups of artists or athletes who want to perform in the US.

For athletes who want to compete in the US and receive not only prize money but also other compensation from a US source, the US P1 visa is the more suitable visa category.