O1 and P Visas

O1 Alien of Extraordinary Ability

Establishing Eligibility for the 0-1 Category:

  • Extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics which has been “demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim”.
  • The definition of “extraordinary ability” varies depending on the type of beneficiary. Specifically, the law enacts three different standards.
  • 0-1 category:
    1. the most exacting standards apply to aliens in the sciences, education, business, and athletics;
    2. a much less rigorous standard applies to individual aliens in the arts; and
    3. an intermediate standard applies to aliens of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industries. However, all beneficiaries petitioning under the 0-1 category must be able to demonstrate their extraordinary ability through extensive documentation.

P-1,P-2,P-3 (Artists, Athletes, and Entertainers)

  • P-1 visa status is available to an alien who is coming to the U.S. to perform services as an internationally recognized athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, or to a member of an internationally recognized entertainment group.
  • P-2 status is available to an artist or entertainer who is coming to perform under a reciprocal exchange program.
  • P-3 status is available for an individual who is coming to perform, teach or coach under a program that is culturally unique.