The changes to immigration under the Trump administration have impacted people across the spectrum. Businesses are particularly concerned about how they can bring qualified people to the U.S. to work legally and help them achieve their objectives.
Recently, a change to the visa program that gives highly skilled professionals the legal right to work in the U.S., the H-1B visa program, increased the fee tenfold to $100,000. It has roiled even the biggest businesses in the nation. Still, there are possible loopholes for some prospective visa applicants. One to consider is the O-1 visa. This is also referred to as the “Einstein” visa.
Understanding the “Einstein” visa
The “Einstein” visa is for people who are categorized as having “extraordinary ability” to come to the U.S. and work for as long as three years. The criteria are strict and they must have achieved noteworthy prominence in athletics, the arts, business, education, or the sciences.
Among the requirements to receive this visa are being awarded prizes or awards for excellence in their field; being a member of an association that requires their members to have outstanding achievements; and having published material in the media or trade publications connected to their work.
They should prove they took part in judging the work of others in their field; show they have made substantial contributions to science, scholarly or business areas; show they have been key parts of a business; and provide evidence they have received a high salary or would receive a high salary for their work.
Those applying for an “Einstein” visa must have three of the above criteria. If they have more, so much the better.
High-achieving candidates can consider the “Einstein” visa
A business that wants to hire an immigrant of extraordinary skill and the person who wants to live and work in the U.S. and has those skills should understand the O-1 visa and know how they can receive it.
Given the current chaotic situation with business immigration and the rules that are changing so rapidly, it is important to look at every option. For people in any situation who need help with immigration, it is essential to have qualified assistance as soon as possible.
