O-1 Visa Sour: A Beginner’s Guide

FRONTJANUARY 2, 2025 / IN BLOGS, O1 VISA, TR

Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

The O-1 visa isn't just a work permit in the United States; it's an opportunity to take your career to the international level. In this guide, I've compiled information about the O-1 visa, along with Ekşi Sözlük's comments on the visa requirements. The topics covered in this article are as follows:

• What is an O-1 Visa?
• Who is the O-1 Visa For?
• O-1 Visa Application Process
• O-1 Visa Reviews: Experiences and Tips
• O-1 Visa Recipients

This article will answer any questions you may have about the topics mentioned above. Feel free to ask any other questions in the comments section of this blog or on our website. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn if you have further questions.

What is an O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is a visa applied for by Turks with extraordinary abilities, granting them the right to temporarily work and live in the United States. Furthermore, the O-1 visa is one of the most preferred visas in the United States. It is granted to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in science, the arts, education, business, and sports. Applications for this visa fall into two categories:

O-1A and O-1B Visa Types

O-1A and O-1B visas are visas that individuals with extraordinary abilities can apply for, depending on their field of expertise. The distinction between these two visa types is as follows:

• O-1A Visa: Designed for applicants from the fields of science, education, business, and sports.
• O-1B Visa: Commonly known as the O-1 artist visa, primarily suitable for individuals prominent in the arts and media.

For both visas, applicants must demonstrate extraordinary abilities and achievements.

Who is the O-1 Visa For?

The US O-1 visa is suitable for those who can demonstrate exceptional ability. This means the applicant has reached the highest level in their field of expertise and is among the small percentage of those who qualify. This evidence can be:

• Obtaining international awards or professional recognition.
• Having work featured in scientific publications, media, or important platforms.
• Being referenced by experts in the field.

The O-1 visa requirements include stating that you possess these achievements and providing documentation. If you have questions about documentation, you can always contact us through our website.

O-1 Visa Application Process

Applying for an O-1 visa in the United States involves several steps. To successfully complete these steps, it’s crucial to be prepared and have all the necessary documents ready beforehand. The main steps are:

1. Employer Sponsorship

You must be sponsored by an employer to apply for an O-1 visa. The employer completes Form I-129 and submits it to USCIS with supporting documentation. The petition must state that the position requires extraordinary abilities and that you meet these requirements.

2. Required Documents

In order for your application to be accepted, you must prepare the following documents completely:

• Professional Achievement Certificates: International awards, documents proving your professional work in your field.
• Media Coverage and Recognition: Proof that your work is recognized at the national or international level.
• Letters of Reference: From respected leaders in your field, highlighting your talents and professional achievements.
• Job Offer: A formal offer letter from your U.S. employer detailing your position, skills, project scope, and contributions.

3. Evaluation and Approval

USCIS thoroughly reviews your application and the documents you submit. All documents must be complete, consistent, and meet the requirements. If approved, you proceed to the consulate application stage.

• Additional Approval Process: USCIS may request extra documents; responding quickly can speed up processing.
• Consular Interview: For Turkish applicants, documents and intentions will be reviewed during the interview. If successful, your visa will be approved.

You can follow our News page to stay updated on the latest developments.

O-1 Visa Reviews: Experiences and Tips

O-1 visa reviews can be a valuable guide for learning about the application process. Therefore, I'm specifically reviewing O-1 visa reviews from Ekşi Sözlük to examine applicants’ experiences.

O-1 Visa Recipients

Obtaining an O-1 visa allows you to take your career international. O-1 visa holders often focus on:

1. Keeping Documents Updated: Maintain up-to-date awards and reference letters to speed up future applications.
2. Networking: Build connections with U.S. employers by attending events, conferences, and seminars in your field.
3. Seeking Legal Support: Work with an experienced immigration attorney to avoid potential issues and ensure a successful application.

The O-1 visa isn’t just a visa; it’s also a tool for building your international career. Taking the right steps can maximize its benefits. For support, please contact us through our website.

For questions about the O-1 visa, you can contact us via the comments section of our blog or through our official CK Law Firm website. You can also reach out to me on LinkedIn to discuss specific matters.