My #1 Tip about the O-1 Visa

The MOST important thing to know about the O-1 visa : You must meet the criteria WHEN you submit your case.

If you don't 100% meet the criteria, then your visa application will be denied.

Sounds, basic? It is. Don't discredit this statement because of its simplicity.

Many applicants start the process, and realize they don't meet the criteria. If that's you, then spend time qualify for the remaining criteria you need as you prepare your case.

Each criteria is a measurement of extraordinary ability. That's a fancy way to say you have received major recognition in your field.

There are 8 Criteria available. You need to meet at least 3 to qualify for the O-1 visa.

Think of this like a menu. There's 8 options, and you need to choose at least 3.

1. Award
2. Membership
3. Judging
4. Media
5. Scholarly Articles
6. Original Contributions
7. Critical Employment
8. High Income

We're going to dig into each of these during a later module of the course.

A Winning Mindset

When you look at this list, you may know you meet some requirements or you may have looked and felt defeated that you don't meet any of the categories.

Here is the silver-lining: you may not meet them today but you may meet them in a year or two. It just takes some ambition and refined talent on your side.

Let's say for example you don't have any awards. Up until now, you have been a busy founder growing your startup & haven't participated in any competitions. I would be surprised if this is true because that's how companies gain exposure.

But now, you know the requirements of an O-1 Visa. Tomorrow you may come across a competition listing or two. This time instead of closing out the window thinking "Do these people actually work?", you will submit an application and win & award. or 2.

Let's say you find media repulsive. You're an entrepreneur who leads a pretty private life, and finds having their photo or story in a magazine or media is repulsive. You dodge calls from newspapers, or small magazines in your own industry because you have your eyes on Forbes or Entrepreneur.

But now, you will re-think that strategy. If you know that media coverage, even gossip coverage could one day be the reason you got a U.S. visa & ultimately a Green Card & Citizenship, would you re-consider your media strategy? I think so!

Cheers to your upcoming #humblebrag when you land the O-1 Visa!