The O-1 is the visa most established solo artists and DJs tour the United States on. It is granted to a person of extraordinary ability, which in practice means an artist that can show press, awards, chart positions, notable bookings and a fee above the norm.
What the petition needs
- A US petitioner, usually the agent, a promoter or a specialist firm, to file it.
- Evidence: press clippings, festival line-ups, releases, a letter from a US union or peer group, and reference letters from people of standing.
- A contract or itinerary for the dates.
Processing takes weeks to months. Premium processing shortens the wait for an extra fee, which is why it is so often paid.
Who it covers
The named artist. Band members, crew and a tour manager travel on an O-2 visa attached to the same petition, each with their own paperwork.
When it is the wrong visa
A group without one standout name, or an artist with a shorter record, usually fits the P-1 visa better. An agent who books the United States often knows which one to file within a phone call.