O-1 Visa For Artists, Entertainers & Others Of Extraordinary Ability



The O-1 visa is for persons of extraordinary ability in the arts, entertainment, athletics, sciences, business and education. In actual fact, anyone who excels in his or her field or specialty can qualify for an O-1 visa.

Any artist, performer, entertainer, producer, or designer may apply for a full-time position if they meet the criteria for the visa. The O-1 visa is the perfect visa for visual and performing artists, designers and consultants who are typically self-employed. Such individuals do not usually have full-time permanent positions but rather work for multiple employers on short or long-term projects or ongoing temporary assignments.

The regulations provide that such individuals may use the services of a US agent and do not require a full-time permanent position or employer. Rather, they may have an agent sponsor them. Our office is able to provide agents for the limited purpose of filing an O-1 visa.

The O-1 visa is granted for a maximum period of three years. After that, the alien may apply for annual extensions, or may apply for a new three year visa.

The criteria for the O-1 visa are divided into separate categories as follows:

  • The Arts
  • Motion Picture Industry
  • Science, Business and Athletics

The Arts

The arts include, but are not limited to, fine, visual, culinary and performing arts. Essential personnel such as directors, choreographers, set designers, make-up artists, and stage technicians are included in this category.

Those in the arts must show “distinction” in their chosen fields, namely that they are prominent in their field, and have achieved a degree of skill and recognition over and above the general level. The applicant must show evidence of being nominated for, or being the recipient of, a significant national or international award, OR meet three of the following criteria:

  1. Has performed a leading or critical role in productions or events having a distinguished reputation;
  2. Has received critical reviews in newspapers, magazines or trade journals;
  3. Has performed a leading or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation;
  4. Has a record of major commercial or critically-acclaimed success;
  5. Has received significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field;
  6. Has commanded or will command a high salary;
  7. Comparable evidence may be submitted where the above categories do not apply.

Motion picture or TV industry

Those in the film and television industry are held to a higher standard than those in the arts although the same criteria are used. They must show a history of “extraordinary achievement” rather then mere “distinction.”

Extraordinary achievement means a very high level of accomplishment such that the applicant is recognized as outstanding notable or leading in the field of motion picture or television.

As of January 2022, the Motion Picture & Television (“MPTV”) standard has recently been updated to apply to various types of online content. While social media content will generally not fall into the MPTV category, streaming movies, web series, commercials and other programs that correspond to more traditional motion picture & TV productions will now be considered under the higher MPTV standard of “extraordinary achievement.” This standard will apply even if the artist will also be undertaking assignments outside of the MPTV industry in addition to those within it. It will not apply to non-MPTV artists who are just demonstrating, discussing, or promoting their work in an MPTV production as such activity is just incidental to their vocation. People hired by a production company to conduct interviews, film broadcasts etc. are considered to fall under the MPTV category.

Science, Business and Athletics

Applicants in these areas must show that they are one of a small percentage to have reached the top of their field. They can show national or international acclaim through receipt of a major international award or show evidence that they meet three of the following criteria:

  1. Has received a nationally or internationally recognized award;
  2. Holds membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievement;
  3. Published materials about applicant in professional or trade publications;
  4. Has served as a judge of the work of others;
  5. Has produced original scientific or scholarly work of major significance in their field;
  6. Is the author of scholarly work;
  7. Has been employed in a critical role by an entity with a distinguished reputation;
  8. Has received or will receive a high salary.
  9. Comparable evidence may be submitted where the above categories do not apply.

O-1 visas may be issued for a maximum period of three years. Thereafter, they may be extended indefinitely on an annual basis or a new three year visa may be obtained. As with most nonimmigrant visas, an alien in the U.S. in valid nonimmigrant status, such as B or F, may file for a change of status to O-1 without leaving the country. Alternatively, the alien may choose to return to his or her home country in order to receive an O-1 visa stamp in his or her passport at the U.S. Consulate.

O-2 visas are available for those accompanying the principal O-1 visa holder if their work is an integral part of the principal visa holder’s performance or artistic endeavors and they possess critical skills and experience that are not of a general nature and cannot be performed by other individuals.


The O-1 visa, the viable alternative to the H-1B…

In tune with the times, our office handles O-1 visas for those in the hi-tech fields of Artificial Intelligence (“AI”), cyber security, engineering, robotics, and internet-based applications.  We also represent entrepreneurs and start-ups in a variety of fields, including growth marketing, real estate development, health, medicine and the sciences.


Spouses and children of O-1 visa holders are granted O-3 visas.

Note that is it possible to have concurrent O-1 visas. This can happen where the visa holder is already working for one employer on an O-1 visa and wishes to accept a second part-time position or to work through an agent on occasional temporary assignments. In such a situation, the agent would file for a second O-1 visa and the foreign national would then be authorized to work for two separate employers.

This office has successfully obtained O-1 visas for individuals in a wide array of fields, including:

  • University Professor;
  • Global Financial Strategist;
  • Veterinarian;
  • Architectural Designer;
  • Architect;
  • Art Director;
  • Variety Entertainer/Drag Artist;
  • Translator/Editor/Writer;
  • Video Artist/Videographer;
  • Photographer;
  • Photojournalist;
  • Textile Artist;
  • Stage and Screen Actor;
  • Voice-over Artist;
  • Radio & TV Announcer.
  • Decorative Artists;
  • Painter/Sculptor/Installation/Multimedia Artist;
  • Stage Manager;
  • Lighting/Sound Designer;
  • Set Designer;
  • Graphic Designer;
  • Motion Graphic Designer;
  • Animation Artist;
  • Illustrator;
  • Furniture Designer;
  • Industrial/Product Designer;
  • Jewelry Designer;
  • Musician/Composer/Songwriter;
  • DJ/Producer;
  • Fashion/Costume Designer;
  • Fashion Stylist;
  • Hair and Make-Up Artist;
  • Nail Artist;
  • Dancer, Singer and Choreographer;
  • Model;
  • Landscape Architects;
  • Director of Programming;
  • Product Manager;
  • Curator;
  • Software Engineer;
  • UX Designer;
  • Interaction Designer;
  • Digital Content Producer;
  • Public Relations Specialist;
  • Speaker/Presenter;
  • Conditioning Coach;
  • Badminton Player;
  • Musicologist;
  • Tattoo Artist.

The O-1 Visa Process

Our office has over 15 years’ experience in submitting O-1 visa applications for a variety of scientists, designers and artists, as well as architects and architectural designers. We know that thorough preparation and attention to detail is the key to success. It is advisable to have a professional review of your background and materials. Whilst an artist may not conform strictly to the O-1 criteria, there are alternative approaches that may work. Some cases require more work than others. Our office will conduct an intensive review of your materials to determine eligibility and requirements. In some instances, the applicant may need to obtain more evidence or experience before we determine that the case is strong enough. Some cases can be ready for filing within a few weeks, others take up to six months to prepare.

After reviewing your materials, our office will advise you what materials are needed to ensure a strong case. We will provide templates and examples appropriate for your particular case, and work with you to prepare the evidence. Our goal is submit a thoroughly documented case and to get a straight approval without receiving a Request for Evidence (“RFE”), which can create long delays. A Request for Evidence is issued where the Immigration Service deems that additional information or documentation is required in order to approve the case. 90% of our applications are approved without an RFE.

Amongst many other types of O-1 cases, we have been successfully processing O-1 visas for architects and architectural designers for many years. These cases are challenging since the Immigration Services holds architects and architectural designers to a high standard, even though they fall into the arts category.


The charts below show O-1 Approvals from January 2018 to December 2022.

2022

CountryProfessionDate FiledDate Case ApprovedRFE? *PP? **Memo
JapanModel/Influencer12/27/20211/10/2022NoYes
AustraliaPhotographer11/12/20211/11/2022NoNo
MacedoniaSocial Entrepreneur Expert12/27/20211/19/2022NoNo
ItalyHip-hop/Vogue Dancer12/7/20211/25/2022NoNo
UzbekistanViolinist12/9/20212/2/2022YesNo
ItalyVideo Director (O1) & Stylist (O2)1/3/20222/3/2022NoNo
KoreaOpera Singer1/26/20222/7/2022NoYes
JapanTechnical Production Manager11/23/20212/7/2022NoYes
SpainArchitectural Designer12/30/20212/2/2022NoNo
LebanonEntrepreneur11/16/20212/7/2022NoYes
TaiwanInterior Designer1/4/20222/7/2022NoNo
JapanDJ1/11/20222/11/2022NoNo
JapanIllustrator1/13/20222/11/2022NoNo
JapanMakeup Artist1/13/20222/17/2022NoNo
New ZealandPhotographer1/20/20222/17/2022NoNo
JapanFashion Creative Consultant11/12/20212/22/2022NoNo
JapanUX designer/ Visual Producer1/24/20222/25/2022NoNo
JapanArt director2/10/20223/7/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitect2/11/20223/7/2022NoNo
ItalyArchitectural Designer2/11/20223/11/2022NoNo
ColombiaArchitectural Designer12/9/20213/15/2022NoNo
JapanArchitectural Designer3/10/20223/16/2022NoYes
IsraelArchitectural Designer12/6/20213/16/2022NoNo
SpainActress2/23/20223/24/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer2/15/20223/30/2022NoNo
CanadaLash and Cosmetic Tattoo Artist7/26/20213/31/2022NoYes
KoreaPhotographer2/18/20223/21/2022NoNo
JapanDJ3/16/20224/8/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer3/17/20224/11/2022NoNo
TaiwanVFX artist3/17/20224/11/2022NoNo
KoreaMotion Graphic Designer4/21/20224/26/2022NoYes
JapanHairstylist8/6/20214/14/2022NoNo
JapanVideographer/Video Editor8/24/20214/20/2022NoNo
FranceArchitectural Designer3/31/20225/6/2022YesNo
PeruDesign Manager4/29/20225/19/2022NoNo
BrazilArt Restorer/Studio artist4/28/20225/27/2022NoNo
AustraliaHair and Makeup Artist5/16/20226/6/2022NoNo
JapanMusic Manager5/11/20226/7/2022NoNo
ItalyMusician12/8/20216/7/2022YesNo
ItalyBilingual Music Historian/Guide4/29/20226/3/2022NoNo
RussiaSound Engineer/Drummer5/16/20226/10/2022NoNo
ZimbabweCreative Producer6/1/20226/13/2022NoYes
LebanonCEO/Entrepreneur6/2/20226/16/2022NoYes
ChinaPainter1/19/20226/16/2022NoNo
ItalyHip hop dancer10/29/20216/23/2022YesNo
JapanDJ4/27/20226/23/2022YesNo
ArgentinaMusicologist6/21/20226/28/2022NoYes
JapanStage Manager5/31/20227/11/2022NoNo
ChinaUX/UI Designer6/6/20227/11/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer12/21/20217/14/2022YesNo
UKMakeup Artist6/15/20227/20/2022NoNo
JapanFashion Designer6/23/20227/21/2022NoNo
JapanGarden Curator2/15/20227/29/2022NoYes
JapanDancer/Choreographer/Instructor6/29/20228/1/2022NoNo
CanadaSinger/Songwriter6/29/20228/2/2022NoNo
JapanArt Director/Graphic Designer7/5/20228/11/2022NoNo
KoreaProduct Designer7/29/20228/11/2022NoYes
MaltaSinger/Songwriter7/5/20228/15/2022NoNo
JapanPhotographer7/14/20228/19/2022NoNo
KoreaArchitectural Designer2/24/20228/24/2022NoNo
IndiaJournalist7/20/20228/25/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer7/21/20228/26/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer7/25/20228/31/2022NoNo
TaiwanVideo Editor/Producer6/30/20229/2/2022YesNo
JapanHairstylist7/20/20228/26/2022NoNo
KoreaPianist/Teaching Artist7/13/20229/2/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer8/2/20229/8/2022NoNo
SwitzerlandBallet Dancer7/27/20229/5/2022NoNo
JapanPianist/Accompanist/Vocal Coach8/3/20229/8/2022NoNo
JapanBallet Dancer8/10/20229/14/2022NoNo
TaiwanArchitectural Designer5/19/20229/13/2022NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer8/16/20229/19/2022NoNo
ChinaOpera Singer8/17/20229/20/2022NoNo
TaiwanVFX artist9/14/20229/22/2022NoYes
BangladeshArchitectural Designer9/9/20229/22/2022NoNo
KoreaPhotographer8/31/20229/23/2022NoNo
JapanBallet Dancer8/19/20229/23/2022NoNo
PortugalArchitectural Designer9/21/20229/27/2022NoYes
JapanHairstylist9/2/20229/29/2022NoNo
ChinaStylist8/22/202210/7/2022NoNo
JapanComposer/Orchestrator8/24/202210/14/2022NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer/Illustrator9/6/202210/14/2022NoNo
JapanHairstylist9/30/202210/15/2022NoNo
IrelandVideo Editor9/15/202210/15/2022NoNo
FrancePhotographer9/30/202210/17/2022NoNo
NorwayGraphic Designer10/11/202211/3/2022NoNo
JapanHairstylist10/26/202211/16/2022NoNo
PortugalLandscape Architectural/Project Designer10/28/202211/18/2022NoNo
IndiaWriter11/7/202211/29/2022NoNo
KoreaFlutist11/17/202212/8/2022NoNo
SingaporeProducer11/18/202212/13/2022NoNo
JapanBallet Dancer7/25/202212/7/2022YesNo
JapanUX/UI Designer11/28/202211/10/2022NoNo
JapanPianist6/27/202211/21/2022YesNo
JapanTechnical Production Manager12/5/202212/16/2022NoYes
*RFE (Request for Evidence) is issued by the Immigration Service when they need more information and evidence for an O-1 case that was submitted. RFE's cause significant delay in the adjudication process.
** Expedited service where the Immigration Service will provide a response within 15 days of issuing the Receipt Notice for the case

2021

CountryProfessionDate FiledDate Case ApprovedRFE? *PP? **
JapanIllustrator1/13/20211/22/2021NoNo
JapanDrummer1/5/20211/20/2021NoNo
JapanPhotographer1/15/20211/28/2021NoNo
JapanSession and Senior Hairstylist12/28/20201/29/2021NoNo
LebanonChief Technological Officer12/14/20202/5/2021NoNo
ChinaPainter1/21/20212/3/2021NoNo
TaiwanJazz Guitarist1/12/20212/8/2021NoNo
LebanonCEO/Entrepreneur2/16/20212/25/2021NoNo
ChinaAI Consultant9/1/20202/25/2021NoNo
JapanHairstylist1/12/20213/3/2021NoNo
JapanPianist8/24/20203/3/2021NoNo
JapanDJ/Music Mixer2/5/20213/9/2021NoNo
ChinaArt Director2/23/20213/25/2021NoNo
JapanComposer/lyrics writer3/2/20203/24/2021YesNo
JapanCurator of Culture, Art & Education2/18/20213/27/2021NoNo
KoreaPainter/visual artist1/15/20214/7/2021YesNo
KoreaPhotographer/Art Director2/26/20214/2/2021NoNo
KoreaProject Architect4/5/20214/8/2021NoNo
JapanFurniture and interior designer4/5/20214/19/2021NoYes
BrazilJazz Bassist4/8/20214/20/2021NoNo
JapanPhotographer3/26/20215/6/2021NoNo
CanadaSound Engineer4/12/20215/12/2021NoNo
ChinaCinematographer3/31/20215/12/2021NoNo
JapanStage Manager4/30/20215/26/2021NoNo
MexicoJazz Pianist2/10/20215/26/2021NoNo
CanadaDrag Queen5/17/20215/28/2021NoYes
KoreaPhotographer/Videographer4/12/20215/26/2021NoNo
JapanGarden Curator2/18/20216/1/2021NoYes
JapanMultidisciplinary Artist5/13/20216/1/2021NoNo
KoreaMotion graphic designer6/3/20216/9/2021NoYes
PhilippinesActress8/11/2020DeniedYesYes
JapanMusic Producer, Composer, Songwriter3/11/20216/16/2021NoNo
JapanLighting designer6/17/20217/6/2021NoNo
JapanMusic Manager5/4/20216/2/2021NoNo
IndiaDirector of Product/UX design6/28/20217/9/2021NoNo
JapanSenior hairstylist6/22/20217/9/2021NoNo
ChinaArchitectual Designer5/6/20217/13/2021NoNo
KoreaArchitectual Designer6/21/20216/30/2021NoYes
ArgentinaMultidisciplinary Artist6/22/20217/9/2021NoNo
RussiaDancer6/28/20217/9/2021NoNo
AustaliaMultidisciplinary Artist4/6/20217/9/2021NoNo
JapanBallet Dancer6/23/20217/20/2021NoNo
ChinaFashion Designer7/20/20217/27/2021NoYes
JapanArchitectual Designer7/6/20218/2/2021NoNo
JapanStudio Manager (Painter/Visual Artsit)6/9/20218/4/2021NoNo
IndiaJournalist7/19/20218/4/2021NoNo
AustraliaFitness Content Creator5/26/20218/5/2021NoNo
SpainArchitectual Designer7/14/20218/12/2021NoNo
ScotlandActor7/13/20218/11/2021NoNo
SyriaGraphic Designer7/9/20218/13/2021NoNo
AustraliaPianist8/2/20218/21/2020nono
JapanProduct/Industrial Designer8/21/20208/2/2021YesNo
KoreaSet Designer8/11/20218/25/2021NoNo
FranceFashion Photographer8/18/20218/25/2021NoYes
JapanNail Artist6/28/20218/24/2021NoNo
Japanphotographer8/13/20218/26/2021NoNo
JapanHairstylist5/14/20218/25/2021NoNo
AustraliaPianist7/29/20218/25/2021NoNo
JapanPhotographer8/10/20218/26/2021NoNo
JapanHairstylist7/16/20218/26/2021YesNo
FranceArchitectual Designer8/18/20218/30/2021NoNo
ChinaArchitectual Designer8/20/20218/30/2021NoNo
CanadaSpeaker/Presenter7/14/20218/31/2021NoNo
ArmeniaProfessor8/17/20218/31/2021NoNo
KoreaGraphic Designer7/29/20219/1/2021NoNo
ChinaHairstylist8/23/20218/31/2021NoNo
JapanArt Director/Photographer7/27/20219/2/2021NoNo
ChinaViolinist6/8/20219/3/2021YesNo
KoreaPianist/Instructor5/11/20219/8/2021YesNo
JapanTextile designer8/25/20219/13/2021NoNo
ChinaArts PR specialist5/26/20219/16/2021NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer8/24/20219/10/2021NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer8/30/202110/1/2021NoNo
IndonesiaGraphic Artist8/27/202110/1/2021NoNo
KoreaPianist/Instructor8/9/202110/4/2021NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer/Illustrator9/9/20219/29/2021NoNo
BangladeshArchitectural Designer9/28/202110/6/2021NoNo
UKPhotographer9/15/202110/6/2021NoNo
JapanHair Stylist/Make-up Artist8/31/202110/13/2021NoNo
IndonesiaFashion designer10/1/202110/14/2021NoNo
JapanMake up artist5/5/202110/20/2021NoNo
JapanMultidisciplinary/Floral Artist3/29/202110/26/2021NoNo
SpainArchitectual Designer8/17/202110/28/2021NoNo
AustraliaFashion designer7/15/202110/28/2021NoNo
JapanLighting designer4/20/2021DeniedYesYes
New ZealandLandscape Architecture Designer7/13/2021DeniedYesYes
AustraliaFitness Content Creator5/26/202110/19/2021YesYes
TaiwanGraphic designer12/21/20201/15/2021NoNo
ItalyFashion PR10/28/202111/10/2021NoNo
MorrocoArchitectual Designer9/13/202111/10/2021NoNo
JapanPianist/ Music Director10/19/202111/10/2021NoNo
SpainArchitect11/05/202111/9/2021NoYes
MexicoArchitectual Designer10/25/202111/17/2021NoNo
JapanHair stylist6/15/202111/15/2021YesNo
JapanFashion/Graphic Designer8/17/202111/30/2021NoNo
KoreaVirtual artist/painter11/22/202112/6/2021NoNo
UKDancer11/17/202112/7/2021NoNo
ChinaArt Director12/8/202112/15/2021NoNo
JapanModel/Influencer12/27/20211/10/2022NoYes
AustraliaPhotographer11/12/20211/11/2022NoNo
MacedoniaSocial Entrepreneur Expert12/27/20211/19/2022NoNo
ItalyDancer12/7/20211/25/2022NoNo
* RFE (Request for Evidence) is issued by the Immigration Service when they need more information and evidence for an O-1 case that was submitted. RFE's cause significant delay in the adjudication process.
** Expedited service where the Immigration Service will provide a response within 15 days of issuing the Receipt Notice for the case

2020

CountryProfessionDate FiledDate Case ApprovedRFE? *PP? **
GermanyGraphic Designer12/30/191/8/20NoYes
JapanInterior Designer4/15/191/10/20YesNo
NorwayGraphic Designer11/26/191/14/20NoNo
JapanHair Stylist12/16/191/16/20NoNo
KoreaLandscape Architectural Designer12/20/191/27/20NoYes
ItalyFashion PR Specialist1/17/201/27/20noyes
TaiwanPhotographer1/7/204/29/20nono
JapanGraphic Designer/Illustrator1/11/191/30/20Yesyes
IndiaPoet/Writer11/14/191/31/20nono
CanadaBrow/Lash Artist7/22/192/6/20yesyes
New ZealandFashion Stylist/ Consultant8/27/192/7/20nono
JapanVideo Media Server Manager / Specialist10/18/192/11/20noyes
TaiwanPhotographer1/28/205/28/20yesno
JapanPhotographer2/10/202/24/20noyes
LebanonEntrepreneur2/18/202/28/20noyes
ChinaArt Critic/ Gallerist3/3/203/6/20noyes
JapanPR Specialist11/29/193/17/20noyes
JapanDJ2/24/203/16/20noNo
JapanDJ11/25/193/20/20nono
FrancePastry chef and manager3/16/203/24/20noyes
JapanHair Stylist1/10/203/31/20nono
JapanHair Stylist1/8/203/31/20nono
TaiwanVisual Designer9/25/193/26/20nono
ChinaArchitectural Designer10/3/194/13/20nono
LebanonEngineering Manager3/23/204/23/20nono
ItalyDancer2/20/205/4/20nono
TaiwanPhotographer1/17/204/30/20nono
Japancreative director4/6/204/28/20nono
KoreaArchitect4/16/205/5/20nono
ArgentinaActress8/19/194/14/20Yesno
ThailandSet Designer3/5/205/6/20nono
SpainPhoto Director/Videographer4/22/205/6/20nono
JapanDancer, choreographer4/2/205/12/20nono
Costa RicaWedding photographer and studio manager4/14/205/13/20nono
ChinaChinese Arts Researcher/Translator3/23/205/7/20nono
JapanArt Director/Graphic Designer8/7/209/3/20noyes, later
ChinaIllustrator8/26/195/12/20nono
JapanMusic Manager5/7/206/3/20nono
JapanBallet Dancer2/13/205/18/20YesYes
ArmeniaProfessor4/30/205/12/20nono
JapanDJ9/25/196/1/20YesYes
Taiwanphotographer1/28/205/28/20YesNo
Japaninterior designer4/30/206/1/20nono
JapanArt Director5/14/206/3/20NoNo
ChinaPhotographer11/15/196/8/20YesNo
ChinaPainter10/7/196/8/20NoNo
JapanBallet Dancer5/15/206/15/20NoNo
AustraliaDancer5/6/206/16/20NoNo
JapanFashion Designer6/12/206/24/20NoNo
KoreaGraphic Designer6/10/206/29/20YesNo
UKDancer6/5/207/8/20NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer6/11/207/8/20NoNo
JapanDJ6/24/207/13/20NoNo
MexicoCostume Designer6/5/206/24/20NoNo
ItalyWriter/Journalist6/18/206/21/20NoNo
CanadaLash/Cosmetic Tattoo Artist7/13/207/24/20NoYes
KoreaVideographer/photographer6/9/206/24/20NoNo
SingaporeCurator4/2/207/27/20NoNo
BelgiumDrag Queen7/22/208/5/20NoYes
JapanDancer7/16/208/5/20NoNo
JapanHair Stylist8/3/208/6/20NoNo
JapanVideographer/ Video Editor6/18/208/20/20NoNo
SingaporeCurator7/1/208/10/20NoNo
JapanFashion/Graphic Designer8/18/208/24/20NoNo
JapanInterior Designer3/16/208/24/20NoNo
GreeceHip-Hop dancer3/24/209/1/20YesNo
JapanCreative Director5/29/209/2/20YesYes
IndiaJournalist7/15/208/31/20NoNo
IndonesiaPhotographer8/4/208/27/20NoNo
IndiaDancer6/18/209/4/20NoNo
JapanArt Director/Graphic Designer8/7/209/3/20NoYes
ArmeniaProfessor8/18/209/8/20NoNo
ChinaLandscape Architectural Designer8/28/208/31/20NoNo
MexicoKnitwear Designer9/11/209/21/20NoNo
ScotlandAthletic Coach9/16/209/23/20NoYes
CyprusArchitecture/Urban Designer8/25/209/25/20NoNo
JapanVideographer/ Video Editor9/10/209/16/20NoNo
TaiwanFashion Designer9/16/209/25/20NoYes
JapanGraphic Designer/Illustrator9/8/209/15/20NoNo
South Koreaphotographer7/9/209/16/20NoNo
South AfricaFilm Composer9/29/2010/8/20NoNo
JapanHair Stylist/Hair & Makeup Artist9/23/2010/20/20NoNo
JapanPhotographer7/23/2010/14/20NoNo
ChinaFashion Designer10/13/2010/21/20NoNo
TaiwanProduct/Industrial Designer9/10/2010/21/20NoNo
ChinaProduct Designer10/22/2011/2/20NoNo
MoroccoProject Designer10/6/2010/28/20NoNo
BrazilWriter and Literary Translator10/7/2011/6/20NoNo
JapanVideo Media Server Manager/Specialist10/23/2011/5/20NoNo
AustraliaVideographer9/30/2010/30/20NoNo
BangladeshArchitectural Designer10/9/2011/12/20NoNo
JapanPainter/Visual Artist11/3/2011/16/20NoNo
CanadaMotivational Speaker11/6/2011/10/20NoNo
JapanCostume/Stage Designer10/20/2011/25/20NoNo
JapanSenior and Session Hairstylist10/19/2011/16/20NoNo
JapanMakeup Artist11/16/2011/23/20NoNo
TaiwanFashion Designer11/30/2012/3/20NoYes
HungaryHealth Communications Specialist11/25/2012/4/20NoYes
KoreaFine artist/ art director9/15/2011/18/20NoNo
KoreaDesigner11/24/2012/11/20NoNo
KoreaArchitectural Designer11/12/201/6/21NoNo
ChinaLandscape Architectural Designer5/2/181/7/21YesNo
JapanBallet Dancer12/18/201/14/21NoNo
JapanInterior designer12/15/201/14/21NoYes
TaiwanGraphic Designer12/22/201/14/21NoNo
FranceActress11/2/201/22/21NoNo
JapanHairstylist12/28/201/29/21NoNo
BrazilFilm/TV Producer12/10/201/25/21NoNo
JapanPR Manager12/3/201/25/21NoNo
* RFE (Request for Evidence) is issued by the Immigration Service when they need more information and evidence for an O-1 case that was submitted. RFE's cause significant delay in the adjudication process.
** Expedited service where the Immigration Service will provide a response within 15 days of issuing the Receipt Notice for the case

2019

CountryProfessionDate FiledDate Case ApprovedRFE? *PP? **
JapanComposer11/6/181/14/19NoNo
SwedenLandscape Architect1/14/191/17/19NoNo
ChinaPhotographer6/26/181/17/19YesNo
IndiaArchitectural/Real Estate Consultant7/5/18DeniedYesNo
SpainArchitectural Designer12/24/181/24/19NoNo
ItalyDancer1/13/191/23/19NoNo
MacedoniaSocial Entrepreneur1/8/191/28/19NoNo
SingaporeMusic Producer12/14/181/16/19NoNo
GermanyGraphic Designer12/28/181/28/19NoNo
JapanVideo Specialist10/30/182/2/19YesNo
AustraliaMultidisplinary Artist9/17/18DeniedYesNo
JapanMultidisciplinary Artist12/20/181/26/19NoNo
SwitzerlandCurator6/26/181/26/19NoNo
South KoreaFine Art Photographer6/4/181/28/19NoNo
ChinaCurator/Gallerist12/26/181/7/19NoNo
JapanFashion Creative Advisor2/14/194/19/22NoNo
AustraliaPianist/Vocal Coach8/27/182/21/19YesYes
South KoreaSet Designer8/27/182/25/19YesNo
ItalyVideographer/Producer8/20/182/25/19YesNo
JapanGraphic Desinger2/22/1929/28/2019NoNo
JapanComposer/Pianist8/27/182/28/19YesNo
DenmarkCommercial Film Director12/7/183/8/19YesNo
JapanComposer/Musician1/31/193/12/19YesYes
UKDancer/Teaching Artist12/26/184/1/19NoYes
UKResearch Director3/12/194/1/19NoNo
SpainArchitectural Designer9/4/182/14/19YesNo
CroatiaEntrepreneur/CEO10/29/1812/26/18NoNo
JapanIllustrator/Graphic Artist10/17/183/22/19YesNo
BrazilPhotographer1/31/193/12/19YesNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer1/7/191/14/19NoYes
JapanDJ3/26/194/9/19NoNo
IndiaBusiness Development Director2/11/194/30/19YesYes
JapanMusic Producer/Composer3/7/194/30/19NoNo
KoreaArchitect5/7/195/15/19NoYes
JapanMusic Manager4/26/195/13/19NoNo
JapanHair Stylist2/8/195/15/19NoNo
ChinaInterior designer4/15/195/22/19NoNo
ChinaArchitectural designer12/11/18DeniedYesNo
ChinaMakeup Artist5/16/195/30/19NoNo
SpainActress4/17/195/31/19NoNo
KoreaMixed Media/ Fiber Artist5/7/195/30/19NoNo
BelgiumPhotographer3/29/196/4/19NoNo
UzbekistanViolinist1/31/196/13/19YesYes
SwedenPR Manager4/12/196/18/19NONo
JapanHair Stylist4/1/197/1/19YesYes
CanadaDancer6/5/196/4/20NoNo
FrenchMusician7/11/197/17/19NoYes
ArgentinaMusicologist7/10/197/23/19NoYes
AustraliaMakeup Artist6/27/197/19/19NoNo
UKPhotographer4/19/197/19/19NoNo
JapanDJ1/10/197/29/19YesNo
JapanFashion Designer6/14/197/31/19NoNo
JapanPhotographer7/26/198/5/19NoNo
BrazilArt Restorer5/24/198/6/19NoNo
ThailandArt Director7/29/198/7/19NoYes
JapaneseGraphic Designer8/5/198/8/19NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer8/7/198/9/19NoNo
AustraliaMultidisciplinary Artist7/29/198/9/19NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer8/12/198/14/19NoNo
AustraliaMotion Graphic Designer7/17/198/20/19YesYes
ChinaArchitect8/21/198/23/19NoYes
JapanBallet Dancer8/15/198/27/19NoYes
GuyanaDancer8/23/198/27/19NoNo
JapanGraphic Designer8/20/199/7/19NoNo
JapanMartial Arts Performer7/29/199/9/19NoNo
JapanPianist8/27/199/10/19NoNo
KoreaArchitectural Designer8/26/199/6/19NoYes
IrelandVideo Editor9/9/199/20/19NoYes
TaiwanDancer12/6/1810/1/19YesNo
JapanMakeup Artist10/15/1910/28/19NoYes
JapanCostume Technical Designer8/20/1910/28/19NoNo
JapanHairstylist9/25/1911/12/19NoNo
KoreaDesign Manager10/10/1911/13/19YesYes
JapanArt director9/16/1911/15/19NoNo
MexicoChoreographer/Dance Artist10/18/1911/21/19NoNo
JapanDancer/Choregrapher/Performer11/18/1911/22/19NoYes
KoreaIllustrator9/30/1911/20/19NoNo
ItalyMusician9/11/1911/18/19NoNo
ChinaArchitect10/29/1911/5/19NoYes
ChinaFashion Stylist/Designer10/3/1911/21/19NoNo
UKMakeup Artist9/16/1911/26/19NoNo
ChinaArchitectural Designer8/20/1911/27/19NoNo
BelgiumDrag Performer12/3/1912/10/19NoYes
BrazilBass Trombonist10/24/1912/11/19YesNo
JapanDJ6/14/1912/12/19YesNo
TaiwanPhotographer10/8/1912/11/19YesNo
South KoreaPhotographer10/7/1912/27/19NoNo
JapanPainter/Visual Artist11/7/191/2/20NoNo
ice

2018

CountryType of artistDate FiledDate Case ApprovedRFE?PP?
India Illustrator/AnimatorOctober 4, 2017January 3, 2018No No
Japan Musician December 27, 2017January 4, 2018No No
Lebanon Product Manager December 26, 2017January 4, 2017No Yes
UK Painter August 10, 2017January 10, 2018YesNo
Lebanon Software EngineerJanuary 8, 2018January 16, 2018No Yes
Japan Photographer January 2, 2018January 18, 2018No No
China Product DesignerJanuary 11, 2018January 19, 2018No No
Japan Illustrator January 28, 2017January 19, 2018No No
Japan Visual ProducerDecember 27, 2017January 29, 2018No No
Japan Graphic Designer February 4, 2018February 15, 2018No Yes
China ArchitectJanuary 31, 2018February 13, 2018No No
Philippines Technical Apparel Designer January 31, 2018February 14, 2018no No
BangladeshiArchitectJanuary 24, 2018February 9, 2018No No
Italy Dancer/Choreographer/Model October 16, 2017February 26, 2018YesNo
Italy Pianist February 1, 2018February 16, 2018No No
Japan ActorFebruary 20, 2018February 28, 2018No No
Japan Composer March 16, 2018March 27, 2018No No
China Landscape Architectural DesignerFebruary 23, 2018March 16, 2018No No
Japan Garden Curator February 27, 2018March 6, 2018No Yes
Japan Director of ProgrammingFebruary 27, 2018March 7, 2018No Yes
Japan Multidisciplinary Artist March 6, 2018March 14, 2018No No
Japan Art DirectorMarch 9, 2018March 20, 2018No No
Canada Photographer October 11, 2017February 18, 2018Yes No
Singapore Curator March 20, 2018March 28, 2018No Yes
Spain Classical Pianist April 13, 2018April 26, 2018No No
Korea ArchitectApril 25, 2018May 1, 2018No Yes
Japan Photographer April 26, 2018May 2, 2018No No
Australia Multidisciplinary Artist April 18, 2018May 1, 2018No No
Japan Multidisciplinary Artist April 26, 2018May 4, 2018No No
Mexico Performing Artist/Mexican Folk Dancer May 1, 2018May 10, 2018No No
Japan Visual Producer/Director April 30, 2018May 19, 2018No No
India VP of Growth April 27, 2018May 16, 2018No No
Canada Recording Artist/Sound Engineer/Drumer April 23, 2018May 18, 2018No No
Korea Architectural DesignerMay 11, 2018May 23, 2018No No
Brazil Contemporary MusicianMay 16, 2018May 24, 2018No No
PakistanBuild Automation EngineerMay 8, 2018May 25, 2018No No
China Landscape Architectural DesignerMay 18, 2018May 30, 2018No No
Korea Regional AssociateMay 16, 2018June 7, 2018No No
Brazil Contemporary MusicianMay 16, 2018June 7, 2018No No
Japan Photographer/Videographer May 15, 2018June 6, 2018No No
Canada Variety Entertainer May 15, 2018June 6, 2018No No
UK Lead Dancer/ Teaching Artist May 18, 2018June 5, 2018No No
Czechoslovakia Wedding Photographer March 9, 2018June 26, 2018No No
Japan Lighting Desinger June 1, 2018June 25, 2018No No
Japan Visual Producer/Director June 1, 2018June 25, 2018No No
Australia Dancer June 1, 2018June 25, 2018No No
Lima Architectural and Urban DesignerMarch 21, 2018June 29, 2018Yes No
Japan Sound Designer June 5, 2018June 29, 2018No No
Japan Hair Stylist June 20, 2018July 2, 2018No No
South Korea Opera Singer June 26, 2018July 17, 2018No No
Japan Hair Stylist July 2, 2018July 12, 2018No No
China User Experience DesignerJuly 2, 2018July 12, 2018No No
India VP of Product/UX DesignJuly 2, 2018July 12, 2018No No
Japan Lighting Desinger July 2, 2018July 16, 2018No No
Spain Set/Prduction Designer July 2, 2018July 16, 2018No No
Italy Music Historian July 10, 2018July 23, 2018No No
Korea Music Composer/Producer March 25, 2018July 30, 2018Yes No
Russia DancerJuly 23, 2018August 23, 2018No No
Japan Multidisciplinary Artist July 20, 2018September 1, 2018No No
Japan Dancer August 27, 2018September 10, 2018No No
Japan Ballet Dancer August 13, 2018September 6, 2018No No
Japan Photographer August 1, 2018August 31, 2018No No
Australia Speaker/PresenterJuly 23, 2018September 25, 2018Yes No
Japan Actor August 30, 2018September 11, 2018No Yes
Australia Performing Horse RiderJuly 25, 2018August 27, 2018No No
England Actor/Narrator/Teaching ArtistAugust 15, 2018September 12, 2018No No
France Fashion Photographer August 21, 2018September 14, 2018No No
Japan Hair Stylist August 21, 2018September 18, 2018No No
Japan Photographer September 4, 2018September 27, 2018No No
South Korea Fine Art PhotographerSeptember 17, 2018September 28, 2018No No
UK Photographer September 14, 2018October 4, 2018No No
GermanyGraphic DesignerJuly 5, 2018August 12, 2018No No
IndonesiaStudio Manager / PhotographerSeptember 14, 2018October 2, 2018No No
France Dancer September 10, 2018October 2, 2018No No
ChinaArchitectSeptember 28, 2018October 5, 2018No No
ChinaArchitectAugust 1, 2018August 27, 2018No No
SwitzerlandSound DesignerSeptember 4, 2018October 12, 2018No No
Japan Architect August 20, 2018October 23, 2018No No
Italy Dancer/Choreographer/ModelOctober 12, 2018October 25, 2018No No
Thailand Graphic Designer September 4, 2018October 29, 2018No No
Japan Painter September 11, 2018October 15, 2018No No
Italy Dancer/Choreographer/ModelOctober 29, 2018November 7, 2018No No
UK Strength and Conditioning Coach/ConsultantNovember 5, 2018November 16, 2018No No
Japan Ballet Dancer October 15, 2018 12/04/2018 Yes Yes
Taiwan Creative Director / Jewelry DesignerNovember 15, 2018November 28, 2018No No
Japan Painter November 1, 2018November 16, 2018No No

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