An O visa is a classification of non-immigrant temporary worker visa granted by the United States to an alien "who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements", and to certain assistants and immediate family members of such aliens.
[4] This includes information regarding the petitioner and evidence documenting the alien's extraordinary ability, details of the proposed work in the U.S. in the form of an itinerary, supporting contracts that collate with the itinerary, and evidence of past work that confirms alien's extraordinary status is true and valid.
Generally, to qualify for O-1A classification, aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing evidence of: Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or at least three of the following forms of documentation: To qualify for an O-1A visa, an applicant must provide documents proving extraordinary ability.
Examples of proof of extraordinary ability include nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence, membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements, and articles written by or about the applicant.
For these individuals, "extraordinary achievement" is defined as "a very high level of accomplishment in the motion picture or television industry evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that the person is recognized as outstanding, leading, or well-known in the motion picture or television field."
An "advisory opinion" is a letter from an organization stating that the position the alien applicant will hold requires extraordinary ability.
Consultation with an appropriate peer group, labor and/or management organization regarding the nature of the proposed work and the beneficiary's qualifications is mandatory before an O-1 petition can be approved.