O1-B Visa

The O-1B visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, coming to the U.S. to work in that field.



Who is the Visa for?

  • Artists

  • Actors

  • Musicians

  • Designers

  • Dancers

  • Directors / Producers

  • Other creative professionals (meeting O-1B standard)

Eligibility Requirements

meet 1 major award or 3 of 6 arts criteria

  • Lead/starring participant in productions/events with a distinguished reputation

  • National or international recognition for achievements via critical reviews or published materials

  • Lead/starring/critical role for organizations/establishments with a distinguished reputation

  • Major commercial or critically acclaimed successes (e.g., box office, ratings, sales, ranking)

  • Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or recognized experts

  • High salary or other substantial remuneration relative to others in the field


    *Film/TV petitions apply closely related evidentiary standards under O-1B (MPTV).


Visa Duration:

  • Initial period: up to 3 years

  • Extensions: up to 1 year at a time to continue/complete the same event/activity.

Processing Time:

  • Premium processing: 15 business days (Form I-907).

  • Standard processing times vary by service center; use the USCIS Processing Times tool for Form I-129.

OpenSphere Services:

  • Petition drafting & evidence compilation

  • RFE response support

  • End-to-end legal guidance