British Actor Lands O-1B Visa Approval for Career in Film and TV Industry

Talented professionals from all over the world can find success in the U.S. with their unique skillset. Often the challenge is presenting the necessary evidence to demonstrate their case to immigration officials. Learn how we helped our client, a highly accomplished actor in the motion picture and television industry, come to the U.S. with the competitive O-1B visa. 

Background

The O-1B visa is a type of nonimmigrant visa issued by the United States government for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, motion picture, or television industry. It is designed to attract highly talented individuals from around the world to come and work in the United States. To qualify for an O-1B visa, the applicant must provide evidence of their extraordinary ability in their field, such as awards, critical reviews, and recognition from industry experts. The visa allows the holder to work in the United States for an initial period of up to three years, with the option to extend for additional periods of one year at a time. The O-1B visa is highly competitive, and the application process can be complex and time-consuming.

The Case

A highly accomplished actor in the motion picture and television industry came to us seeking an O-1B visa. He was from the United Kingdom and traveling to Georgia to start filming for his new show. Here he learned from some of the industry’s best teachers that undoubtedly helped shape his career. He was also the youngest actor yet to take on the part of Macbeth on film – in a full green screen studio to add. Moreover, he was lucky enough to play many voice roles in big-hit computer games such as Star Wars, Battlefield, and Assassin’s Creed. 

To qualify as an alien of extraordinary ability in a motion picture, we needed to demonstrate that our client had been prominent in their endeavor, such as having:

  • Nominations for a significant national/international award in a field like the Emmys, Grammy’s or Academy Award

success story british actor

At least three of the following:

  • (I)  Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or endorsements;
  • (2) Evidence that the alien has achieved national or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
  • (3) Evidence that the alien has performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
  • (4) Evidence that the alien has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
  • (5) Evidence that the alien has received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such testimonials must be in a form which clearly indicates the author’s authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien’s achievements; or
  • (6) Evidence that the alien has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services
  • (C)   If the criteria in paragraph (o)(3)(iv) of this section do not readily apply to the beneficiary’s occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish the beneficiary’s eligibility.

o1B Mark Rowley timeline

 

We filed his visa application under premium processing in October 2022. An RFE was requested in January 2023 and we sent a response out the following month. 

The Verdict

Within less than a month, our client’s O-1B visa was approved and he was able to start filming for his new show!

Another VisaNation Law Group Success Story

We were delighted to have assisted our client in obtaining his approval! Regardless of what career path you’ve chosen, the key to successfully getting visa approval is to gather the appropriate evidence and present your case in the best light. Let the lawyers at VisaNation Law Group take care of the complex tasks while you focus on your work in the U.S. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.