At McEntee Law Group, we frequently prepare and file O-1 visas and EB-1 green card cases on behalf of extraordinary clients in various industries and specialties. Our clients include the creative director of an award-winning Irish clothing line, an innovative green roof technology expert, a music tech entrepreneur, the business executive of a life-saving healthcare technology company, and many more.
Extraordinary ability cases are a niche practice area within immigration law. When you’re looking for an immigration attorney, it’s absolutely critical that you pick a firm with experience in this particular arena. Our Managing Attorney – Fiona McEntee – has a plethora of experience with extraordinary ability cases. Given her experience, Fiona has been hand-selected to lead discussions and panels on the O-1 visa and EB-1 green card by the American Immigration Lawyers Association, and she appears frequently on MSNBC, BBC, and CNN.com to provide her input on immigration issues. At McEntee Law, we’ve created an ExtraordinaryVisas website to showcase our amazing clients, and our particular expertise in this area.
There are 2 types of O-1 visa:
· O-1A: Sciences, Education, Business, and Athletics - someone who has a level of expertise indicating that they are “one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of their field of endeavor.”
· O-1B: Arts, Motion Picture, and Television – someone who has reached a level of distinction within their field as “evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered.”
Whilst extraordinary ability does not simply mean “successful” or “good at your job”, you may be more extraordinary than you think. We have worked with many clients who were extremely humble, yet no less extraordinary. After a thorough analysis of their background and achievements, we determined that the O-1 visa could (and did) apply to them!
Companies seek out executives who are masters at business, technology, marketing. Universities seek out world class researches and educators. Audiences will queue around the block to see artists and entertainers perform on both the live stage and big screen. Sports fans will pack arenas and stadiums to see world class athletes at the top of their game. Leading brands want to partner with social media influencers with a huge reach. What makes one person a superb musician and another a scientific genius may be different, but both are extraordinary.
Despite the tumultuous and ever-changing political climate, we remain hopeful that foreign talent and extraordinary ability will always have a place in the United States. Immigrant talent enriches our country, and many individuals, who are among the best in their field, want to bring their talent here. For these individuals, the O-1 visa could be their ticket to life in America.
Our experienced team at McEntee Law Group is available to answer any specific questions, or to assist you or a prospective employer with a potential O-1 case.
If you think the O-1 visa may be for you, lets get to work!