Extraordinary talent deserves extraordinary representation.
At Matricardi Law, we specialize in obtaining nonimmigrant visas for individuals in entertainment, arts, sports, science, business and more. Whether you’re an award-winning artist, a rising star, or an elite athlete, we provide easy to understand strategic legal guidance to help you obtain the visa that best fits your career goals.
The visa types that we can assist with are as follows, O-1B, O-1A, O-2, P-1B, P-1A, P-3, O2, P-1S, P-3S.
O-1B Visa – Arts & Film/TV
If you work in a creative field and have achieved significant success and recognition, you may be eligible for an O-1B Visa.
Who Qualifies for an O-1B Visa in Arts and Film/TV?
The O-1B visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or a record of extraordinary achievement in film or television. This visa is designed for professionals whose work has been recognized at a national or international level.
O-1B (Arts) Visa Eligibility:
To qualify, you must show distinction in your field, meaning you are renowned, leading, or well-known in your artistic discipline. This applies to:
Models and Stage Actors
Content Creators and Influencers
Actors and Choreographers
Musicians and Singers
Authors, Journalists and Playwrights
Photographers and Videographers
Painters, Sculptors, Designers, and Multimedia Artists
Creative Directors
O-1B (Film & TV) Visa Eligibility:
For film and television, you must show a history of extraordinary achievement, proven by industry acclaim and recognition. This applies to:
Actors
Producers and Directors
Screenwriters
Editors
Cinematographers and Camera Operators
Composers and Orchestrators
Sound Designers and Sound Editors
Production Designers and Art Directors
VFX Artists and Motion Designers
What Evidence is Required?
You must either have a major award or meet at least three of the following six criteria:
- Lead or starring roles in distinguished productions
- Published material about you in major media outlets
- Critical or essential contributions to distinguished organizations
- Command a high salary for your work
- Commercial or critically acclaimed success
- Recognition from experts and industry professionals
O-1A Visa – Business, Science, Education and Athletics
Who Qualifies for an O-1A Visa?
The O-1A visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics. This visa is reserved for professionals who have demonstrated sustained national or international acclaim in their field.
O-1A Visa Eligibility:
To qualify, you must show that you are among the top professionals in your industry and meet at least three of the following eight criteria:
- Awards – Receipt of prestigious national or international awards
- Published Material – Significant media coverage or professional publications about your work
- Leading Roles – Essential contributions to distinguished organizations
- Original Contributions – Major innovations, discoveries, or achievements in your field
- Scholarly Articles – Authorship of published research or thought leadership
- Membership – A member of associations or organizations that are difficult to join
- High Salary – Earning a significantly high income compared to peers
- Judging Others – Serving as a judge or panelist evaluating others in your industry
Who Can Apply?
- Scientists & Researchers in medical, technological, and academic fields
- Entrepreneurs & Executives including Founders, CEOs, and business leaders
- Athletes & Coaches including competitors, trainers, and professionals in sports
- Educators & Experts shaping academia and specialized industries
O2 Visas – Essential Support Personnel
Who Qualifies for an O-2 Visa?
The O-2 visa is for essential support personnel who accompany and assist O-1B visa holders in the arts, motion picture, and television and athletics. This visa is specifically for individuals whose skills and experience are critical to the success of the O-1B visa holder’s work in the U.S.
O-2 Visa Eligibility:
To qualify, you must show that you are:
- An integral part of the O-1B visa holder’s work, providing essential support
- Have critical skills and experience that cannot be easily replaced by a U.S. worker
- Have a longstanding working relationship with the O-1B beneficiary (for film/TV) or specialized knowledge necessary for the production; or production on film or television show has begun abroad and O-2 visa holder(s) are needed in the US to ensure successful completion of the production
Who Can Apply?
- Film & Television Crew such as cinematographers, editors, production designers, choreographers, key production staff
- Performing Arts & Music Support including stage managers, vocal coaches, makeup artists, instrumental technicians
- Talent Agents and Managers
P-1 Visa – Internationally Recognized Performance Groups and Athletes
Who Qualifies for a P-1 Visa?
The P-1 visa is designed for internationally recognized athletes, entertainers, and performance groups who are coming to the U.S. to compete, perform, or participate in an event.
P-1A Visa: Athletes
The P-1A visa is for individual athletes or teams with international recognition. To qualify, you must:
- Be coming to the U.S. to compete at a distinguished level (e.g., professional leagues, international competitions)
- Have a record of significant achievements in your sport
- Be part of a team or league that is internationally recognized
Who Can Apply?
- Professional Athletes who are competing in major leagues or tournaments
- Team Sports Players who are members of internationally recognized teams
- Olympians & Elite Competitors who are participants in high-level global events
P-1B Visa: Entertainers & Performance Groups
The P-1B visa is for entertainment groups that have been internationally recognized for their outstanding performance. To qualify, the group must:
- Have a sustained reputation for excellence
- Be performing as part of a distinguished and internationally recognized group
- Have been together for at least one year, with at least 75% of members having a consistent role in the group
Who Can Apply?
- Theater & Dance Troupes who are well-known performing arts groups
- Musical Bands including internationally recognized musicians touring the U.S.
- Circus Performers that are part of a distinguished company
P1-S visas are available to support personnel of P1-B visa applicants.
P-3 Visa – Culturally Unique Performers
Who Qualifies for a P-3 Visa?
The P-3 visa is for artists and entertainers coming to the U.S. to participate in a culturally unique program. This visa allows individuals or groups to perform, teach, or coach in traditional, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic presentations To qualify, you must:
- Be coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach in a program that is culturally unique
- Be part of a recognized performance or artistic tradition
- Have a U.S. sponsor, such as a venue, organization, or employer
- Provide supporting documentation showing the cultural uniqueness of your work
Who Can Apply?
- Traditional Performers including folk musicians, dancers, or theater groups
- Cultural Musicians & Artists such as performers preserving and sharing unique cultural traditions
- Educators & Coaches including experts teaching traditional artistic or performance techniques
P3-S Visas are available to support personnel of P3 visa applicants.
Why Choose Matricardi Law?
Personalized Legal Strategy – Every extraordinary ability case is unique, and we craft tailored applications for each client, with the attorney working with you every step of the way.
Proven Track Record – We’ve secured approvals for artists, athletes, and innovators worldwide.
Fast & Efficient Process – We prioritize efficiency, helping you meet deadlines and career opportunities in an easy-to-understand way.
Strong RFE & Consular Support – If challenges arise, we provide expert responses to RFEs and visa denials.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your eligibility!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in fields like the arts, sciences, business, education, or athletics. This visa allows you to work in the U.S. for an employer or organization that recognizes your exceptional skills.
2. Who is eligible for an O-1 visa?
Eligibility for the O-1 visa requires proof of extraordinary ability in your field. You must provide evidence of sustained national or international acclaim, such as awards, publications, or recognition from experts in your industry. The O-1 is typically granted to people in specialized fields like science, technology, business, and the arts.
3. How long does the O-1 visa process take?
The processing time for an O-1 visa can vary, but on average, it takes about 2 to 6 months from the time of filing the petition. Premium processing is available for an additional fee, which can expedite the process to 15 business days.
4. What documents are required for an O-1 visa application?
To apply for an O-1 visa, you will need to submit:
- A completed Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
- Evidence of your extraordinary ability (awards, media coverage, letters of recommendation, etc.)
- A written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group or labor organization
- A detailed itinerary of your activities in the U.S.
- Proof of your employer or agent’s ability to pay your wages (recommended but not required)
5. Can I bring my family on an O-1 visa?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can accompany you to the U.S. on an O-3 visa. However, O-3 visa holders cannot work in the U.S. but can attend school or engage in other activities.
6. What are the benefits of working with Matricardi Law for my O-1 visa?
We can help streamline the application process, ensuring all required documentation is complete and accurate. They will help you compile compelling evidence of your extraordinary ability, advise you on eligibility, and guide you through potential legal complexities, which can significantly improve your chances of approval.
7. Can I transition from an O-1 visa to an EB-1A green card?
Yes, it’s possible to transition from an O-1 visa to a green card (permanent residence) for extraordinary ability. This involves filing for an immigrant petition under the EB-1 category, which is for individuals with extraordinary ability. We are happy to discuss the process with you.
If you have any other questions about the visa process, please schedule a free consultation today!