Customs and Border Protection have the power to overrule your visa. You must be prepared for your first Border Entry on your new visa. You’ll be asked when entering the U.S. these questions. Failure to do so will mean you can be brought to secondary inspection. Failing that you may be asked to attend a deferred inspection or even be deported on the spot.
Author: Jason O'B
13 Considerations: Sponsor for the O1-B Visa
All O visas are “sponsored” visas, meaning you need a representative eg. an employer, a manager, agent or company to sponsor you. Your visa sponsor is known as a ‘petitioner’ by the USCIS. There is more to choosing your sponsor than you might think. (This is also true for temporary visas and the P visas).
Many artists come to the USA on the Single Project O-1 visa in order to see if the US is somewhere they would be happy to work and live before committing to a 3 year “blanket O visa” or upgrading to the EB-1 green card. The O1 visa sponsor is very an important aspect to this.
Speed up your Green Card application in 2025
One applicant told us they were approved for their US green cards after 14 months. The pandemic and American regime changes have affected processing times. Here are a 6 ways to speed up your application.
Attorney said I do not qualify! 5 Reasons
An attorney may convince you that your extraordinary ability case EB1 or O1 visa is not strong enough, even after you have provided all the evidence to the contrary. Here are the main reasons we have found why they have said this –
How long does it take to get an O-1 US Visa? (It Varies)
Processing Times can vary. Here’s a quick way to find out exactly how long it will take for your O visa application to be processed.
EB-1 Step by Step Process
Here is an overview of the EB1-EA Green Card application process.
Firstly, before you apply, you should understand what is involved, what is needed from you and when each step takes place. You should submit a solid application to avoid an RFE – Request for Further Evidence.
USA Artist Visa Costs (2025)
O-1 – Temporary Artist Visa
Here are the costs broken down:
USCIS Form I-129: $460
Union Consultation Letter approx $250 – $500
US Embassy Consular Processing $190 +
Print & Postage $150
Total = $1,050 – $1,300 approx
Premium Processing: $2,500* (not necessary)
Attorney Fee: $8,000 approx
How can an artist immigrate to the US? (Easier Than You Might Think)
There are several paths to working in the USA in your specialist field – we have selected the pertinent ones out of the potential 22 visa types below. We have not included the possible student visas as we are concerned that if you are already an ‘expert in your field’ the USCIS might question why are you on a student visa. We ask that you consider that on your visa journey.
How long is EB-1 Green Card valid?
Once you have the physical green card it can be easily renewed every 10 years. With this type of green card you can become a citizen within 5 years.
Your green card will be mailed to your US address.
Your green card is forever as long as you:
don’t commit a crime worthy of deportation
MORE…
How to write your EB1 Petition/Cover Letter
Known as a cover letter or petition letter it is the backbone of your application, used to compile your evidence and present a complete and compelling image of your extraordinary career. Here’s how to format it correctly – 1. Short Top Sheet 2. Memorandum in Support of a Petition