Are you eligible for US O-1 Visa?: All about annual limit, stay duration and categories of 'genius visa' gaining popularity amid H-1B hurdles

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• O-1 visa gains popularity as H-1B applicants face stricter US visa rules
• O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, or athletics.
• O-1 visa has no annual limit and allows work for multiple employers

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While worries loom large over H-1B applicants and holders amid US President Donald Trump's fast-changing visa rules, there is a "genius visa" that is now gaining popularity.

This is the O-1 visa of the United States and people have been showing extra interest in it amid the H-1B hurdles.

What is the O-1 Visa?

The O-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa category that has been dedicated for people who are able to prove extraordinary ability in the fields of their work. These can include fields like science, athletics, education and business, amongst others.

How can you prove your ability?

Any person applying for the O-1 Visa for the United States can prove their ability by providing proof of their recognition at a national or international level. However, this visa category does not encompass the fields of arts and entertainment. The applicants are required to prove their ability by furnishing a record of constant acclaim from a national or international platform.

Who can use the O-I Visa path?

The O-1 Visa path is commonly used by startup founders, data scientists, senior academics, researchers, executives working at senior positions and athletes of a certain position.

Does O-1 Visa have an annual limit?

The O-1 Visa has no annual limit and it does not require a particular educational background. Moreover, it also allows the holders to work simultaneously for multiple employers.

What the stay duration with O-1 Visa?

The initial duration of stay that is provided in the O-1 Visa is up to three years. After that, it holds a possibility of extension, that is granted in one-year increments.

What are the categories of O-1 Visa?

There are two categories. While O-1A is for people in science, education, business, and athletics, O-1B is for those in the arts, as well as the motion picture and television sectors.