If you want to use your outstanding means or performance to move to the US. You must choose the right visa option. EB1 and O-1 are very popular options for individuals of extraordinary ability. When it comes to assessing which visa is right for you, having a nuanced appreciation of these differences will enable you to make a clear and informed choice based on your professional and personal situation. To help you get a better idea of what each entails, the guide will explore the main features, benefits, and conditions of each visa.
Overview of EB1 Visa
EB1 visa is a work-based immigration visa targeted towards individuals with extraordinary abilities. This visa has been further divided into 3 categories:
EB1-A: For aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. A key benefit of it is it is a self-petitioning employment-based application, i.e. you do not require a job offer to apply for it. Outstanding Professor or Researcher:
EB1-B You must prove that you are a leader in an academic field, and you must have a job offer from a U.S. company.
EB1-C – Multinational Executives and Managers. You should have held foreign employment within 3 years immediately preceding the filing in an executive or managerial capacity.
The best part of the EB1 visa is that it eventually facilitates you to obtain a green card with which you can have a legal stay of as long as you desire in the U.S. This is even more of an advantage if you intend to stay long-term. EB1-A — for individuals of extraordinary abilities applying without a job offer focusing on their self-petition options. On top of this, EB1 visas also get priority in the green card process and are often approved much sooner. This means that it is a good option for super-talented people who are looking for a quicker way to obtain their permanent residency.
Overview of O-1 Visa
O-1 Visa (non-immigrant) is for the individual coming under special abilities not restricted to sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or television industry. O-1A — sciences, education, business, athletics O-1B — arts and entertainment industry. This visa is versatile with the flexibility in renewability for temporary stays and the option to stay indefinitely for endless processes or temporary assignments.
Compared to some other visas, O-1 visas do not have an annual cap, making the waiting period significantly less competitive. You can also bring immediate family members on the O-3 visa category. For an O-1 visa that job offer must be from a U.S. employer – who engages you to work in the U.S. — and you must show extraordinary ability and acclaim in your field demonstrated through sustained national or international recognition.
The Law Office of Olena Manilich focuses on helping you with your O-1 visa, helping you meet the requirements, and building a strong case. Call us now to know how we will provide help to apply for an O-1 visa.
Key Differences Between EB1 and O-1
Depending on what you want to do and where your individual circumstances fall you will have to pick between the EB1 and O-1 visas. Perfect for long-term by directly getting a Green Card: EB1. For the EB1-A category, which offers more autonomy, a job offer is also not required. EB1 visas are often expedited for green card processing, cutting long waiting periods for other categories.
O-1 visa, for those who wish for a short-term stay with the flexibility of unlimited extensions on one hand. Best suitable visa for those assignments that are ongoing. But it needs a job offer from a U.S. company and must be renewed from time to time. O-1 is better in that it also has no annual limit so it can reduce competition and backlog waiting times.
In selecting, also think about how soon you want to be in the U.S. EB1 gets you to your green card process earlier, and O-1 gets you here first. Your employment situation and long-term intentions should determine your choice.
The Law Office of Olena Manilich can assist you in determining which visa fits your particular professional and personal situation. We will hold your hand every step of the way during the process and will help you present the best case you can. Get in touch now and start getting options for meeting your U.S. immigration goals.
Considerations for Choosing Between EB1 and O-1
Remember these differences the next time you are deciding between the EB1 and O-1 visas, as they may be important to you in the long and short term. If you want to stay in the U.S. The EB1 visa is the best option because it directly leads to permanent resident status. You can even apply in the EB1-A category on your own without a job offer to have more flexibility.
If you just need a place to crash for a while and you want the ability to renew indefinitely, the O-1 visa is more appropriate. This visa puts you in the job but with a U.S. employer. Ideal for a limited-time project or task. There is also no cap on O-1 visas per year which means far less competition and significantly faster approval times.
Consider it also includes processing times. The EB1 visa will almost always process green cards faster, but the O-1 visa generally allows for faster access to the United States to begin work. Consider your immediacy of goals and growth perspectives when deciding which visa fits best with your unique path!
The Law Office of Olena Manilich can help you through these options. With the guidance and one-on-one advice of our team, we walk you through the application to secure a successful interview. Contact us now to start on your way to the U.S.
Conclusion
The EB1 or O-1 visa — Are you looking in the long or short term, do you have a job offer or immediate needs? The EB1 is for someone who wants to move to the U.S. permanently and does not need to have a job to receive it, whereas the O-1 is a non-immigrant visa, for someone who wants to be in the U.S. for temporary time and can always be renewed indefinitely. Schedule consultation with The Law Office of Olena Manilich for individual assistance.. Reach out to be with your U.S. immigration goals today!
