Visas for Persons of Ability

Visas for Persons of Extraordinary or Exceptional Ability

Temporary visas are available for persons of extraordinary or exceptional ability in the arts, sciences, academics, and business to allow them to enter the U.S. for events, performances, lectures, research, or work purposes. These visas are often granted to athletes, artists, entertainers, academics, business executives, and other persons with advanced degrees.

Permanent visas are also available for persons of extraordinary ability or exceptional ability. Foreign nationals in these two categories are considered to be priority workers with preference on the list for employment-based immigration.

At the Houston immigration Law Office of Judith G. Cooper, P.C., we provide employment-based visa and citizenship services to corporations and academic institutions, and to workers themselves, seeking a visa under the category of "aliens of extraordinary ability" or "outstanding researchers or professors." Contact our Houston immigration lawyers for assistance with any of the following visa applications:

O-1 temporary visa

EB-1 immigration visa (first preference)

Type of Worker: Persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television field; outstanding professors and researchers; executives and managers of multinational companies

Requirement: No labor certification is required, but in some instances a prospective employer needs to provide a job offer and file a petition with the USCIS

P-1, P-2, P-3, Q-1, O-2 temporary visa

Type of Worker: Outstanding athletes and entertainers

Requirement: No labor certification is required. Applicants do not have to have a specific job offer so long as they are entering the U.S. to continue work in the field in which they have extraordinary ability. They may file their own petition with the USCIS, rather than through an employer

The second level of immigration preference—professionals with advanced degrees and persons of exceptional ability—are required to have Labor certification as well as a job offer from a U.S. employer. If your entry into the U.S. is in the national interest, the job offer and labor certification may be waived. Learn more about how we can assist you with special waivers and permissions.

This is not an exhaustive list and it is always best to consult an immigration attorney about the specifics of your case. Contact a board-certified immigration law specialist at Judith G. Cooper, P.C., to learn more about visas available for persons of exceptional ability and whether you could qualify under this category.

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