O-1 visa for Korean Bboy?

[jaycali 415]

I'm reading places that one would need a lawyer to apply because of the difficulty in applying for the O-Visa... is it possible to get it done without a lawyer?

There are no visa categories that legally requires handling by a lawyer. However, the O-Visa is a fairly rare visa type, which I would recommend hiring a lawyer to handle properly. The rarity of the O-Visa means that few members on here actually have first hand experience with it. Also, most visa categories are very straightforward and have very specific requirements. The O-Visa basically requires you to show, without insulting the intelligence of the USCIS, that he is a genius, or a world-renowned artist. The criteria itself is fairly vague, making it difficult to successfully do, or aid with, without past experience.

[JRF 117]

There are no visa categories that legally requires handling by a lawyer. However, the O-Visa is a fairly rare visa type, which I would recommend hiring a lawyer to handle properly. The rarity of the O-Visa means that few members on here actually have first hand experience with it. Also, most visa categories are very straightforward and have very specific requirements. The O-Visa basically requires you to show, without insulting the intelligence of the USCIS, that he is a genius, or a world-renowned artist. The criteria itself is fairly vague, making it difficult to successfully do, or aid with, without past experience.

I believe Justin Bieber has an O-visa...interesting...

[jaycali 415]

I believe Justin Bieber has an O-visa...interesting...

Likely. And I believe a lawyer was hired.

[JRF 117]

Likely. And I believe a lawyer was hired.

No doubt he is an income stream for a number of lawyers. Seriously though your suggestion to engage a lawyer is well-advised.

[scienceworks 64]

No doubt he is an income stream for a number of lawyers. Seriously though your suggestion to engage a lawyer is well-advised.

ROFL

[Cheryl-Hossein 25]

I work for one of the unions that processes advisory opinion letters for O-1 Visas. Sure, it's possible to do one without a lawyer, but I've looked at nearly 500 cases this year and I can't remember a single one that did not use a lawyer. It's a very very specific visa. Unless the beneficiary is an Oscar or Grammy winner (or whatever might be the equivalent for dance, in the case of bboying), you must back up evidence like crazy.

You must have itineraries accounting for every moment of the requested time of the visa, deal memos or contracts with salary showing they make well above the "normal" or average salary. I would look up union scale for a dancer or choreographer to see if he comes anywhere close. There are many various unions for dancers and choreographers, and the lawyer can advise you which two will be best for his situation. You must have letters of recommendation from respected individuals in his field. He must show a history of box office or sales receipts. He must show evidence of press in respected trade journals or national/international newspapers or magazines. (Ones the caliber of Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, NY Times, Vanity Fair -- not local papers or blogs). The company or companies he'll be working for must be of a distinguished nature -- meaning they can show a history of success in the industry, awards won. It also means they must be legit, tax-paying organizations -- not some guy who books dancers in his spare time.

If he's at all serious about an O visa, he should consult with a lawyer. One of the P visas (P-2 or P-3, I think, but don't quote me), might be an option. It's a performer as part of a touring group. But these are also very specific, and I believe they are limited to a certain number per year.

If I was his lawyer (and I'm not a lawyer at all), I would also downplay the "bboy" aspect. He is a respected dancer, who just happens to specialize in this specific genre.

Good luck -- I hope this helps.

[mezou0028 4]

He has 15 years of experience bboying as well as has won a few world championship with his bboy crew.

wow is cool but if he is from morning of oil crew or fusion MC or last 4 one crew or drifterz or rivers crew

he will get it because any 1 bboy i think he have proof for that

good luck

[sarah4252 0]

Sounds like he is coming to inspire kids, not to work in the US on his craft. Why not a B2 visa for a visit?

We want to stay for at least a year, and he wants to be able to go to the US and set up a career in his field. He's quite excellent in his craft, he just wants to be able to get the most out of what he does.

[sarah4252 0]

I work for one of the unions that processes advisory opinion letters for O-1 Visas. Sure, it's possible to do one without a lawyer, but I've looked at nearly 500 cases this year and I can't remember a single one that did not use a lawyer. It's a very very specific visa. Unless the beneficiary is an Oscar or Grammy winner (or whatever might be the equivalent for dance, in the case of bboying), you must back up evidence like crazy.

You must have itineraries accounting for every moment of the requested time of the visa, deal memos or contracts with salary showing they make well above the "normal" or average salary. I would look up union scale for a dancer or choreographer to see if he comes anywhere close. There are many various unions for dancers and choreographers, and the lawyer can advise you which two will be best for his situation. You must have letters of recommendation from respected individuals in his field. He must show a history of box office or sales receipts. He must show evidence of press in respected trade journals or national/international newspapers or magazines. (Ones the caliber of Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, NY Times, Vanity Fair -- not local papers or blogs). The company or companies he'll be working for must be of a distinguished nature -- meaning they can show a history of success in the industry, awards won. It also means they must be legit, tax-paying organizations -- not some guy who books dancers in his spare time.

If he's at all serious about an O visa, he should consult with a lawyer. One of the P visas (P-2 or P-3, I think, but don't quote me), might be an option. It's a performer as part of a touring group. But these are also very specific, and I believe they are limited to a certain number per year.

If I was his lawyer (and I'm not a lawyer at all), I would also downplay the "bboy" aspect. He is a respected dancer, who just happens to specialize in this specific genre.

Good luck -- I hope this helps.

Bboys in korea make little money, he can barely afford the premium processing fee and an airplane ticket... we would really like to do this on our own. we have sufficient evidence "articles" that would easily prove he is the best in his field. I would guess that he probably makes below average compared to a lot of dancers in the US.

[Cheryl-Hossein 25]

Bboys in korea make little money, he can barely afford the premium processing fee and an airplane ticket... we would really like to do this on our own. we have sufficient evidence "articles" that would easily prove he is the best in his field. I would guess that he probably makes below average compared to a lot of dancers in the US.

I'm not trying to be discouraging, but I really don't think the O-1 visa is for him. If he can't prove that he makes an above average salary, that is already one major strike against him. It's an expensive visa to process and really does require someone who is experienced in such matters. A lawyer will be happy to take his money -- and the lawyer must be paid upfront regardless if he gets the visa or not. It doesn't sound like he has that kind of disposable income.

In the field I work in, it's reserved for people who have name recognition to the general public -- think director Peter Jackson, or actress Maggie Smith, singer Adele -- people who have been nominated for Oscars and Grammys and Emmys. Even then, the awards aren't enough. It still needs to be backed up with hardcore evidence.

I know your boyfriend must be very talented, but the O-1 visa is reserved for "extraordinary achievement". There's only a tiny percentage of the public who meets that criteria. Again, I urge him to look into P visas, or a vistior visa.

[Boiler 45,525]

To the extent that you believe all you read I have seen some less than obvious O 1's reported. The problem is the less obvious they are the more 'help' is needed in ensuring that the application hits all the sweet points.

There is obviously nothing to stop you having a go without using a Lawyer, you just need to pay the fees.

[sarah4252 0]

To the extent that you believe all you read I have seen some less than obvious O 1's reported. The problem is the less obvious they are the more 'help' is needed in ensuring that the application hits all the sweet points.

There is obviously nothing to stop you having a go without using a Lawyer, you just need to pay the fees.

I've read about some serious no names as well being able to get the o visa with the use of a lawyer. He has serious evidence to back him. He is well known in his field and even has the record for a certain move which can, I know its not a trusted source, be proven on wikipedia. He is extremely well known in t universal bboy community and is called from all over the world to do workshops and to judge other bboys. Would the usics really look that deep into it- paper work wise when the evidence speaks for itself?

[sarah4252 0]

I work for one of the unions that processes advisory opinion letters for O-1 Visas. Sure, it's possible to do one without a lawyer, but I've looked at nearly 500 cases this year and I can't remember a single one that did not use a lawyer. It's a very very specific visa. Unless the beneficiary is an Oscar or Grammy winner (or whatever might be the equivalent for dance, in the case of bboying), you must back up evidence like crazy.

You must have itineraries accounting for every moment of the requested time of the visa, deal memos or contracts with salary showing they make well above the "normal" or average salary. I would look up union scale for a dancer or choreographer to see if he comes anywhere close. There are many various unions for dancers and choreographers, and the lawyer can advise you which two will be best for his situation. You must have letters of recommendation from respected individuals in his field. He must show a history of box office or sales receipts. He must show evidence of press in respected trade journals or national/international newspapers or magazines. (Ones the caliber of Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, NY Times, Vanity Fair -- not local papers or blogs). The company or companies he'll be working for must be of a distinguished nature -- meaning they can show a history of success in the industry, awards won. It also means they must be legit, tax-paying organizations -- not some guy who books dancers in his spare time.

If he's at all serious about an O visa, he should consult with a lawyer. One of the P visas (P-2 or P-3, I think, but don't quote me), might be an option. It's a performer as part of a touring group. But these are also very specific, and I believe they are limited to a certain number per year.

If I was his lawyer (and I'm not a lawyer at all), I would also downplay the "bboy" aspect. He is a respected dancer, who just happens to specialize in this specific genre.

Good luck -- I hope this helps.

what is an advisory opinion letter?

[Boiler 45,525]

a documnent deadted by a Lawyer to explain the law and why as they see it and why there client should obtain whatever benefit that is being asked for.

[sarah4252 0]

Do you think he'd be able to obtain a P-1 visa even if he's going to go work without his crew and on his own?