Foreign Actors
Work visas are required in order for any foreign citizen to receive financial compensation for employment in the United States. A work visa is a document attached to your passport proving you have permission to receive financial compensation for employment by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you have acting credits in other countries (such as your home country) and a temporary job offer in the U.S., then you can apply for an O-1 visa for individuals that can demonstrate an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim. The O-1 visa is one of the most popular visas for actors and other performers who want to work in the United States. However, in order to qualify for an O visa as an actor you will need to demonstrate extraordinary ability and outstanding talent within your field.
There are two types of O-1 visas, an open-ended visa allows for acting work for two years after receiving the visa, and a closed O-1 that only authorizes employment for one specific job. In some cases, the H-1B visa is available for actors, but usually only those in co-starring roles.
The following documents must accompany an O visa application:
- Form DS-156 (non-immigrant visa application)
- Passport of the applicant
- A recent photograph meeting USCIS requirements
- Visa application fee
- Approval Notice (Form I-797) of the O petition
- Formal job offer letter
- Advisory Opinion
- O-1 petition
- Supporting evidence of extraordinary ability
To show extraordinary ability, the applicant must demonstrate the following:
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards or prizes for excellence
- Membership in associations in the field of extraordinary ability which require outstanding achievement
- Citations in professional publications
- Participation on a panel or as a judge of the work of others in the same field
- Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
- Evidence of high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services related to the applicant’s occupation
The O visa is valid for three years in duration and extendable after that time. In order to qualify for the O visa, foreign actors must have both a sponsor and an actual job offer in the U.S.
O work visas can take approximately 3-4 months. However, USCIS offers and option for expediting O visa petitions which can speed up the process to 3 weeks for an extra $1000 Premium Processing fee.
Your petition should include your resume, reviews, press cuttings, awards, training, letters of recommendation, letters of invitation to prestigious events, memberships, etc.
One of the most important decisions to make in your O visa application is your choice of lawyer. We assist our clients in compiling the case, preparing a strong petition, and with the application the USCIS. One of our Firm’s primary focus areas is work visas for foreign artists. We routinely work with foreign actors, fashion models, musicians and their U.S. employers to obtain authorization to work in the U.S.
Please contact us to start your immigration application now.