We PROVIDE SERVICES in a variety of different non-immigrant temporary working visas, particularly for artists. Our page includes information on the different visa types we handle. Please feel free to browse through our site to find which visa type you are most interested in. We also suggest you email your curriculum vitae or questions to us in order to better determine your options: info@evagolinger.com.

O-1 VISAS

FOR ARTISTS, MUSICIANS, DESIGNERS, ACTORS, DANCERS AND OTHER EXTRAORDINARY INDIVIDUALS

The O Visa classification requires the artist beneficiary possess a level of national or international recognition in the specific area of expertise, which can be demonstrated through several criteria put forth by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. But, you do NOT have to be a major superstar to obtain the O-1 Visa.

O-1 Visas apply to individuals (musicians, artists, actors, designers, managers, directors, photographers, etc.) who have achieved a high level of recognition throughout their professional artistic careers, and are able to satisfy at least three (3) of the following requirements:

• Evidence of receiving a significant national or internationally recognized award or nomination for such significant award, such as a Grammy Award or its equivalent;

• Evidence of presenting or participating in a lead or critical role in events or productions of distinguished reputation. (For example: participation as a principal artist in an international festival - the evidence of such participation could be a program from the event or publicity about the event mentioning the artist's name, or a letter confirming the participation );

• Evidence of reviews or other recognition in the media (newspapers, magazines, other publications, television, etc), which could be shown through articles, critics, published images of the artist or a Press Kit;

• Evidence of participation in a lead or critical role for organizations or institutions of distinguished reputation. (For example: a record contract with a major label, or a concert or performance in a prestigious venue);

• Evidence of commercial successes, sale of albums, songs on the charts, sales of merchandise or a sold-out show;

• Evidence of national or international recognition by experts in the field, such as other artists, organizations, critics or other testimonials that demonstrate the level of recognition of the artist; and

• Evidence of significant compensation for artistic services in comparison to others in the field. (This could be a contract with a record label or theater company that demonstrates a high salary or other compensation).

A FEW OTHER IMPORTANT POINTS ABOUT O-1 VISAS

• The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires that each O Visa Petition be accompanied by an itinerary of performances, concerts, events, and/or projects detailing the activities and engagement of the artist beneficiary in the U.S. throughout the duration of the visa authorization period.

• O Visas, like all other temporary employment-based visas in the U.S., require that a petitioner, or sponsor, petition for the O Visa on the artist's behalf. However, O Visas allow for U.S. petitioners, or sponsors, to be agents or representatives of the artist, instead of employers with a financial obligation to the artist. A U.S. Agent or Representative as petitioner is not required to directly employ the artist nor is the Agent/Representative burdened by financial obligations and responsibilities to the artist while in the U.S. Instead, the Agent/Representative functions as a business or artist manager, assisting and facilitating the artist's career while in the U.S. For example, this type of sponsor could be a promoter, artist manager, record label, entertainment lawyer, accountant or other type of representative connected to the artist.

• The O Visa has a maximum validity period of three (3) years for a "new employment-based" petition, with the possibility of extending the visa in one (1) to three (3) year increments indefinitely.

• The O Visa is divided into 3 categories: O-1 for the principal artist; O-2 for the principal artist's assistants, crew or background performers; and O-3 for the artist's dependents (spouse & children).

• O Visas require an Advisory Opinion from a union or representative group in the artist's field accompany the INS petition.

O-2 - For supporting musicians and crew of an O-1 Artist

O-3 - For spouses and children of O-1 and O-2 Visa Holders

P-1 VISAS FOR ENTERTAINMENT GROUPS

P-1 Visas are for music and entertainment groups with international recognition, or significant national recognition. You do not have to be a Grammy Award winner, although you would certainly qualify if you were. You must provide a press kit and other evidence about your group's recognition. Additionally, P-1 Visas require a sponsor, which could be an agent or representative, a manager, a promoter, a record label or other entity involved in the band's performances or work in the USA. The P-1 Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed in one-year increments of time.

P-1S - For supporting technicians and crew of a P-1 Band

P-4 - For spouses and children of P-1 Visa Holders

OTHER VISA CATEGORIES FOR PROFESSIONALS

H-1B - For professionals with university degrees.

This is a 3-year professional work visa with option to renew for an additional 3 years. Documentation needed for H-1B Petition:

From the Employer:

1. Complete name of company

2. Address, telephone & fax

3. Tax ID Number

4. Year company was established

5. Number of Employees

6. Gross Annual Income

7. Name & Title of Person Who Will Sign Papers

8. Type of Business (What does the company do?)

9. Please include brochures, press or other applicable information about the company

10. Financial statement or annual report

From the Beneficiary:

1. Complete name

2. Address & telephone

3. Social Security Number

4. I-94 & Visa

5. EAD & I-20s

6. Copies of all educational documents (transcripts, diplomas)

7. Curriculum Vitae

8. Any other supporting documents

H-4 - For spouses and children of H-1B holders

L-1A - For managers and executives being transferred to an affiliate company in the USA.

L-1B - For intra-company transferees, non-managerial but with expert skills gained from working with the same company abroad.

L-2 - For spouses and children of L-1 visa holders

TN - For Canadian and Mexican professionals only.

TN-D - For spouses and children of TN Visa holders.