Need to know how to get an O1 Visa quickly? Or how to get a fully compliant photo with no hassle? Use this article to fast-track your O1 Visa.
What is the O1 Visa?
There are numerous ways of being able to live and work in the United States, and one of those ways is acquiring an O1 Visa. Like all Visas, the O1 Visa has a specific group of people in mind who can apply and successfully receive an O1 Visa.
The O1 Visa is for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in:
- Sciences (O-1A Visa)
- Arts (O-1A Visa)
- Education (O-1A Visa)
- Business (O-1A Visa)
- Athletics (O-1A Visa)
- Television or motion pictures (O-1B Visa)
Using the O1 Visa, you must be continuing to use these abilities as part of your work after you have moved to the United States. If you want your family to come with you as part of your O1 application, they must apply for O3 Visas.
What are the Requirements for the O1 Visa?
When applying for an O1 Visa, you must meet the guidelines that the United States government has set out. If not, it’s quite likely your application will be refused or delayed.
Most importantly, you need a petitioner who will support your application. Your petitioner should employ you in your area of specialization.
application requirements
- Consultation: You are required to submit a written advisory opinion from a person or group with expertise in your specialization.
- Contract: You must also submit a contract of employment between you and your petitioner.
- Itinerary: Your petitioner must be able to explain the events or activities (touring etc.) you’ll undertaking in the United States.
- Evidence for eligibility: Your petitioner must be able to show evidence for your extraordinary abilities in your area of specialization, including at least three distinct types of evidence.
What are the Requirements of the О1 Visa Photo?
Make sure to follow all the requirements for your O1 Visa photo, as this can be the most important part of your application, and possibly the easiest to get wrong!
Photo Quality:
- If you take your own photo, the photo must be sharp with no visible pixels or printing errors.
Your Appearance:
- Ensure your face is entirely visible in the photo
- No deep shadows or glaring lights should obscure your face
- Head coverings and hats are forbidden except for medical or religious reasons
Your Posture:
- Keep a neutral expression for the photo
- Face the camera directly on and center yourself in the frame
- Make sure your eyes are clearly visible
When you’re using the online application upload service: Your photo
- Must be in JPEG (.jpg) format
- File size must be equal to or less than 240 kilobytes
- Must be in a square aspect ratio, so the height and width are the same
- Must be 600×600 pixels in dimension
If you scan a physical photo for online upload:
- Your photo must be 2 inches x 2 inches
- Make sure the scan resolution is 300 pixels per inch or 12 pixels per millimeter
If this sounds like too much work, you can try out our super handy app ‘Smartphone iD’.
With ‘Smartphone iD’, you can easily take pre-approved photos for your application. All photos are made compliant to national standards through our dual certification (AI, biometrics).
How to Apply for an O1 Visa?
To start your application, you need to secure employment with your petitioner for your stay in the United States. You can follow the requirement advice above for specific documents, here the process of application will be outlined.
- Firstly, your employer must file a Form I-129 petition for you with the USCIS
- After this, you must file Form DS-160
- Now you have to pay fees
- You must now arrange an appointment for your interview with a US consulate or embassy
- Before your interview, make sure you have the required documents:
- Consultation: written advisory opinion from a person or group with expertise in your specialization.
- Contract: contract of employment between you and your petitioner.
- Itinerary: Proof of where you are going for your work.
- Evidence for eligibility: evidence for your extraordinary abilities in your field, including at least three distinct types of evidence.
- When the date arrives, attend your interview for the submission of your documents
O1 Visa General Eligibility
To be eligible for receiving an O1 Visa, you need to show that you have extraordinary ability in your field of specialization. This means that you must be nationally or internationally recognized in your abilities. For a successful application, you need to be coming to work in the United States temporarily in your field.
Eligibility in STEM and business:
- To be eligible in these fields, you must have expertise and show that you are in the top percentages in this area.
Eligibility in the arts:
- To be eligible in the arts, you must show that you excel in your level of achievement, and are renowned in this field.
Eligibility in motion picture and television:
- To be eligible in this specialization, you must have a record of achievement that shows you are well-known in this field and have great skill.
O1 Visa Processing Time
The processing time for the application can vary, depending on various factors. However, it is common to see O1 Visas being issued from around 2 weeks up to 3 months after your application.
Remember that you need a fully compliant photo for your application. Without one, you could face delays and even refusal for your application.
Scroll down to find out how ‘Smartphone iD’ can give you the perfect photo.
O1 Visa Cost
There are a few fees when it comes to submitting your application.
Costs:
- Form I-129 Petition Cost: $460 USD
- Form DS-160 Cost: $160 USD
- Expedited Processing: $1500 USD
How to Get an O1 Visa Photo Online Using Your Phone?
If you need to get an O1 Visa photo quickly with no hassle, try out our app.
Follow the steps below to get started right now!
- Use our online passport photo tool for quick and easy passport photo clicking the “Take a Photo” button.
- Take a photo using the app, ‘Smartphone iD’ will guide you through the process
- Select which country you want to produce a photo for
- Select which document type you want the photo for (Passport, driving license, visa etc.)
- Receive photos digitally via email, as soon as our experts approve them
- Use these digital copies to print them yourself. Or, you can use our printing service, to make it even easier
Summary
It’s clear that to get an O1 Visa you need to be exceptional in your field for your application to be accepted. Our expertise is in making sure you get a professional O1 Visa photo that’s guaranteed to be accepted or your money back.
So use ‘Smartphone iD‘ to help fast-track your application.
FAQ
How hard is it to get an O1 Visa?
It depends, as long as you can show expertise or outstanding skill in your field as well as a petition by an employer, you should be able to get an O1 Visa.
Can I study while on an O1 Visa?
You can, as long as your employment is not interrupted by your studies.
Can I get a Green Card with an O1 Visa?
You can apply for a Green Card once you have an O1 Visa, though you will have to extend your O1 Visa until you have a Green Card.
How long is the O1 Visa valid?
Once you have an O1 Visa, it is valid for up to three years.
Can my family join me if I obtain an O1 Visa?
Yes they can, however they will have to apply for O3 Visas.
Does the beneficiary need to apply for a visa after Form I-129 gets approved?
Yes, the beneficiary needs to apply through Form DS-160.
What happens if the petition gets denied?
You can ‘reopen’ your petition if it is initially denied. Though, you will probably need new evidence for your application.
Can the beneficiary extend their stay after their arrival in the United States?
Yes, you can keep renewing your O1 Visa.
How many O-1 Visas are available every year and when can I submit an application?
There is no limit on an annual basis for O1 Visas, nor is there a specific time to apply. You can apply whenever you’re ready.
Is there a minimum prevailing wage or a specific start date that I need to be aware of?
There is no wage threshold for an O1 Visa application or a start date.
