O-1A - Extraordinary Ability Visas
Please see the attached graphic for O-1A visas for people who possess extraordinary ability in the
- Sciences
- Education
- Business
- Athletics
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O-1 Visa
USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance for O-1 Petitions with a Focus on STEM Fields
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services today issued policy guidance clarifying how it evaluates evidence to determine eligibility for O-1A nonimmigrants of extraordinary ability, with a focus on petitions filed for individuals in science, technology, engineering, or math (STEM) fields, as well as how USCIS determines whether an O-1 beneficiary’s prospective work is within their area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
USCIS Provides Clarifying Guidance on O-1 Nonimmigrants in Arts vs. Motion Picture and Television
Release Date
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced clarifying guidance on how USCIS determines whether an O-1B beneficiary will be evaluated as a person of extraordinary ability in the arts or as a person of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry when a case has elements of both.
Waivers of the Interview Requirement for Certain Nonimmigrant Visas
For latest updates, watch this video with Rajiv from Dec 28, 2021.
USCIS Expands Credit Card Payment Pilot Program to Vermont Service Center
As part of the credit card payment pilot program, the Vermont Service Center is now accepting credit card payments using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions, for petitioners filing Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, for O and P nonimmigrants.
Frequently Asked Questions on US Travel Ban
Note: For the NRI readers, The Economic Times has started an immigration helpdesk. A team of experts which includes Rajiv S. Khanna addresses the most pressing issues. Please see the link below.
Business or Employment Related Travel to the USA During Ban - National Interest Exception NIE
The travel bans necessitated by the COVID pandemic have created much flux and uncertainty. Synthesizing the information now finally available from various US government sources, it is clearer now that many intending travelers can seek and obtain an exemption from the ban under a series of provisions for a National Interest Exception (NIE).
Do you Qualify for an NIE?
You should be able to apply for an NIE to overcome the ban on travel to the USA if you meet any one or more of the following categories:
Guestbook Entry for MVB, United States
Name
MVB
Country
United States
State
WA - Washington
O-1B Extension and Authorized Period of Stay
Question details
I have been in the US for six years. First O-1B expired on Feb15, sent in application for the 2nd O-1B already in December. The itinerary wasn't sufficient, response due by April 26th, ready to send in the completed itinerary plus additional letters of intended employment. My household is in New York. I am still here. Am I illegal now? Is there a grace period?
As long as you had filed your extension application before expiration of the current status, you are not illegal as long as the case is pending. You are in
Changing from J-1 to O-1
Question details
Can I change from J-1 to O-1 without meeting the home residency requirement or getting a waiver?
You can apply for the O-1 category and, upon receipt of the approval notice, you will be required to obtain the O-1 Visa at a U.S. consulate abroad.
Mr. Khanna is very helpful. He gives right decesion which is suitable for client. I really thank him and very happy to work with him in future. MB