O-1B
Arts, film, and television
The O-1B is a temporary work visa for artists and for people in film and television. In the arts, the standard is distinction: a high level of achievement, recognized well above what is usual in the field. In film and television, the standard is extraordinary achievement, which is stricter and calls for a record of major recognition.
Request a consultIs the O-1B for you?
- Performers, musicians, and visual artists with reviews and lead roles to show
- Directors, writers, producers, editors, and others working in film and television
- Designers, chefs, and other creative professionals whose work has been recognized
- Artists with upcoming U.S. performances, exhibitions, releases, or productions
- Who sponsors
- Employer or agent
- Typical stay
- Up to 3 years, renewable
The evidence criteria
Show a nomination for, or receipt of, a significant national or international award (such as an Academy Award, Emmy, or Grammy), or meet at least 3 of the 6 criteria below.
- 01Lead or starring roles in productions or events with a distinguished reputation, both past and upcoming.
- 02National or international recognition, shown by reviews or other published material by or about you in major newspapers, trade journals, or magazines.
- 03Lead, starring, or critical roles for organizations with a distinguished reputation, both past and upcoming.
- 04A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, such as ratings, box office results, or standing in the field.
- 05Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts.
- 06A high salary or other substantial pay compared with others in the field.
Your case, start to finish.
An attorney first decides which standard applies to you: the arts, or film and television. That choice sets the bar and shapes the evidence plan.
We collect reviews, programs, credits, posters, contracts, and ratings. Our tools tie each piece to the criterion it supports.
We draft letters with directors, curators, critics, and collaborators, so each one describes your role and how your work was received.
We build the itinerary of your U.S. work and obtain the consultation letter the rules require from the right union or peer group.
Before you ask.
I have engagements with several U.S. employers. Do I need a separate petition for each?
Often one petition can cover them. A U.S. agent can file for work with multiple employers, with an itinerary listing the dates and places of each engagement.
What is the consultation letter?
It is a written advisory opinion from a group that knows your field, and the rules require one. In film and television, it comes from a union and a management organization. In the arts, it usually comes from a union or peer group. We request it for you.
What if the criteria do not fit my art form?
In the arts, the rules allow comparable evidence when the listed criteria do not readily apply to your field. This option is not available in film and television cases.
Can my family come with me?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can join you in O-3 status. They can study in the U.S. O-3 status does not include permission to work.
Tell us about
your case.
Share where you are today and where you want to go. We'll help you understand the immigration path and the work surrounding it.