Extraordinary Skill / Talent & Special Visa
Are there special reasons for someone to be granted permission to live in a foreign country because of Extraordinary Skill / Talent?
Yes, they are. In the US, there are at least two classifications:
QUOTE |
EB1 visa: There are three types of individuals that qualify for permanent USA visas under this category of which one of them is a person of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education or athletics. The beneficiary of this USA visa must demonstrate a particularly high level of achievement demonstrated by the receipt of an award such as the Nobel Peace Prize or the Academy Award for motion pictures or alternatively provide one of the following three types of evidence: 1. Receipt of a lesser national or international prize or award for excellence in the particular field of endeavour. 2. Membership in associations which require outstanding achievements from their members, as judged by nationally or internationally recognised experts in the particular field. 3. Published material in professional journals, major trade publications or the major media about the alien's accomplishments in the field of endeavour. These items must include title, date, author and must be translated to English. 4. Participated on a panel or individually as a judge of the work of others in the same field of endeavour. 5. Original scientific, scholarly or artistic contributions of major significance in the field of endeavour. 6. Authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals or other major media (national newspapers, magazines etc). 7. Display of his/her work at artistic exhibitions in more than one country. 8. Performance in a lead, starring or critical role for organisations or establishments with distinguished reputations. 9. Commanding a high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services in relation to others. 10. Commercial success in the performing arts, as shown by box office receipts, record, cassette, compact disc or video sales. 11. Other comparable evidence if the above types of evidence do not readily apply to the alien's occupation. |
QUOTE |
O-1 visa: Same requirements. The O-1 visa can be particularly helpful to highly talented or acclaimed persons who may not want to use or do not qualify for other types of visas. The visa can be used for any field of endeavor in the United States of America. |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
QUOTE (JB @ 14-May 07, 9:08 PM) |
So what would make an 'O-1 visa' different from an EB1 visa if both are talented? |
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
How would one start this process and what does it all involve? Who should one call right away and what is the expected cost of all of this? Should one seek to get this visa on one's own or is it best to go through a lawyer or consultant? Very valuable info so far thank you!
You need to collect all the documents listed on this thread in order to prove your Extraordinary Skills. You need to make sure to distinguish first in which of the three categories you fall under:
1. A person of extraordinary ability in the arts, science, education, business, or athletics;
2. An outstanding professor or researcher; or
3. A multinational executive or manager who will work in the USfor the same multinational employer for whom they were employed abroad for 1 out of the last 3 years in an executive or managerial capacity.
Each one of these options have their own requirements.
You do not need a job offer in order to apply (you can do it on your own) BUT if you fall in the category for professors and researchers or multinational executives/managers will need to have a guaranteed offer of employment.
The choice of an Immigration consultant is a personal preference, but (in my personal view) due to the kind of visa you are going to apply it is better to seek the counsel of a professional since the person will know how to present your documents, etc on your best interest. Keep in mind that they are pricey and there are many scams out there so make sure you research the person very well before handing out any money. Good luck!
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%
You have been so amazing with answering my questions. Such a wealth of information thanks so much. So now my question is, do I seek the advice of a US immigration consultant or a CAN immigration consultant to start the process along? What sort of a time frame should I expect and can I be in the US while it is being processed?
Look for an experienced immigration consultant or immigration lawyer (both can go through the process) Does not matter whether is a US or CAN consultant as long as they are experienced and not scammers. The time frame always depend on the Embassy you are applying and how your documents are presented.
International Level: International Guru / Political Participation: 1089 100%