Recap So Far

Laying the Groundwork

This primer walks you through why the O-1B visa might be the perfect path for you and what you need to prepare for your journey. It’s your essential first step to understanding the process and getting started.

Part 1 - read it here.

Part 2 is all about strategically gathering what you already have and organizing your portfolio like a pro.

Part 2 - read it here.

We Answered Your Questions

We’ve tackled several common questions along the way. Here’s a quick summary of what we covered:

1. What’s the Difference Between a U.S. Agent and a U.S. Employer?

   • U.S. Agent: Great for freelancers and those juggling multiple projects. You’ll have more flexibility but cover the application costs yourself.

   • U.S. Employer: Best for full-time positions where the company sponsors your visa, offering more stability.

   More details here.

2. Can I Apply for the O-1 Visa If I’ve Never Been to the U.S.?

   • Absolutely! The O-1 visa is for extraordinary creatives worldwide. The key is proving your talent and your purpose for being in the U.S.

   Read more here.

3. What’s the Difference Between the O-1A and O-1B Visas?

   • O-1A: For those in science, technology, education, or business.

   • O-1B: For creatives like designers, artists, and performers.

   Full breakdown here.

Breaking Down the O-1B Visa

The O-1B visa process revolves around three essential requirements.

1. Work for the Next Three Years

   Show steady work opportunities through job offer letters.

   • U.S. Employer: Provides the letter if sponsoring you.

   • U.S. Agent: Collect multiple offer letters for part-time, contract, or full-time work covering three years.

   Aim to show an income of at least $50,000 per year.
   

2. Association with Professional Organizations

   Membership in groups like IDSA, AIGA, or similar shows your active industry involvement. Not a member? No stress—many organizations allow easy sign-ups.
   

3. Proof That You Are Extraordinary

   This is where your portfolio, awards, and press mentions come into play. You need atleast 3 of these 6 criterias to proof that you are extraordinary.
   
   

   • Criterion #1: Lead or Starring Role in Productions

   This criterion is about showcasing the major projects where you’ve played a lead or starring role. Even personal projects can count if they’ve received recognition.

   Read the breakdown.

   About adding personal projects.
   

   • Criterion #2: International Recognition

   Your work needs to have been recognized on an international level through publications, exhibitions, or awards.

   Read the breakdown.
   

   • Criterion #3: Critical Role in Organizations

   Highlight your contributions to an organization’s success, especially those with a distinguished reputation.

   Read the breakdown.

Remaining Criteria

• Criterion #4 : Commercial Success of Products

  I did not use this criterion in my own application, but here’s what I’ve learned through research: This criterion focuses on demonstrating the measurable success of the projects or designs you’ve been part of. For designers across various fields, this might include:

  • Sales figures for products, designs, or creative works that performed exceptionally in the market.

  • Revenue generated through high-performing campaigns, products, or creative assets.

  • Adoption metrics such as the number of units sold, downloads, or widespread implementation.

  • Media or industry coverage highlighting the commercial success of your work.

  To build your case, gather evidence such as:

  1. Sales reports, revenue figures, or adoption data linked to your projects.

  2. Press articles, industry reports, or awards that recognize the success of the product or project.

  3. Letters or testimonials from stakeholders detailing your role in the success.

  Even if your projects weren’t industry-wide sensations, niche successes with measurable impact in their target market are valuable. Combine the data with endorsements to strengthen your case.
  
  
  

• Criterion # 5 : Letters and awards 
  We’ve already covered awards in detail in a previous section. Here’s a link to read the full breakdown.

Now, let’s focus on letters of recommendation, which are just as crucial for your application. These letters demonstrate your credibility and influence in the design industry.

When gathering letters, variety is key. Aim for a diverse mix of recommenders, such as:

• Design thought leaders: Respected voices in your field who can vouch for your expertise.

• CEOs or founders: Leaders of companies or organizations who can speak to your contributions and impact.

• Professors or mentors: Academics who can attest to your skill and growth, particularly if you’ve studied under renowned individuals.

• Top professionals in your field: Senior designers, creative directors, or others in leadership roles who recognize your achievements.

Pro Tip: Include letters from people you haven’t directly worked with. This adds weight to your credibility, as it shows your reputation extends beyond personal connections. These could be industry leaders familiar with your work through exhibitions, publications, or awards.

Lawyers generally write the letters for you to ensure they follow the correct format and meet all the necessary requirements. Don’t stress too much about drafting them—just have a solid list of people who you think will sign the letters for you.

• Criterion #6 : High Salary
  This one’s straightforward—if you earn a high salary in your field, you may qualify under this criterion. Keep in mind that “high salary” is relative to the location and industry average. Salaries that stand out in metropolitan areas like New York or San Francisco might differ significantly from other regions.

The industry average is usually on the lower side, so if you’re working at a well-known company or a larger organization, you might easily qualify for this criterion without much additional effort.