US O1-B Visa Becomes Savior for Indians Looking for US Settlement

America might have tightened norms on its H1-B visa, raising concerns for many Indians willing to settle in the US; but the O1-B visa is now the new way through which qualified Indians can migrate to the country. O1-B is slowly becoming a very famous and lucrative option for people with extraordinary talents.

Professionals with an extraordinary ability in the fields of arts or with extraordinary achievement in cinema or television are considered as qualified to file for US O1-B visa and eventually become US citizens. Point to note is that 'arts' does not include just performing arts for O1-B but also covers graphic designers, fashion designers etc. O1 - B visa is a non-immigrant visa and it neither has a cap on the number of visas issued each year nor is prone to protectionist measures. As per US Department of Homeland and Security, the allotment of O1 visa categories have significantly increased over the years. In 2006, 31,969 visas were issued under O1 category whereas the number increased to 93,086 by the year 2016. Experts predict that demand for O1 visas will increase in coming times.

“O-IB's requirement is `distinction'--it is comparatively a less rigorous legal standard. It can be shown by recognition in media or among peers in the field. Both the O category visa applications call for at least 10 peer reference letters. Often, we ensure that half the letters are from India and the rest from other countries--this helps demonstrate international recognition,“ stated an immigration expert from the US.

In addition to O1-B visa, EB-1A is another visa type slowly gaining popularity among Indian nationals. EB-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics through sustained national or international acclaim. Unlike O1-B, EB-1A visa is an immigrant work visa (green card) allowing professionals permanent residence and work eligibility in the US.

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