The three-year renewable O-1 visa is a great option for many accomplished artists to consider if they want to work in the United States.
However, gathering the information necessary to file the petition can be tedious. Especially if you wait till the last minute.
That’s why we recommend that O-1 artists start as soon as possible to compile a library of evidence which can be easily referenced when it comes time to file the petition.
If you have not yet achieved the status in your field to qualify for an O-1 petition, it’s still a great time to begin working toward that goal.
So here are the top 5 tips for any artist to follow when it comes to preparing for an O-1.
1. Don’t Burn Bridges
To apply for an O-1 visa you will need testimonial letters from people you worked for and worked with.
Needless to say, maintaining networks is important for any artist, but especially when applying for an O-1. You are going to need to call in favors. Staying on good terms with those you have worked with is essential.
I know sometimes things can get contentious when working on creative projects, but always strive to remain professional and keep in touch with co-workers and supervisors as well as the employer after the project is done.
2. Document Your Work As You Go Along
Save the work and as much information about each project as you can in Google Drive or Dropbox folders. Do it while you are working on the job or immediately after it is complete.
Who was the job for?
What were the specific things you did on the project?
What was the purpose and the outcome of the project?
Who worked with you on the project?
Time passes and memories fade. All of this information will be extremely valuable when it comes time to provide information for your visa.
Start doing this today.
My bodybuilding documentary was rediscovered and added many more views in the past few years.
3. Follow Up
Track what happens with your work over time.
How is the project received by the media, by peers, by critics and by the public?
What is the initial reaction to the project and what is the reaction over time? I’ve had documentary videos I’ve made do well for a while, lie dormant and then suddenly spring back to life with views as it gets rediscovered and shared. Check back into old projects, see how the public is responding to your past work as well as your current work.
You are looking for documentation of awards, good reviews, articles and other publicity that shows that your work is getting noticed, and ideally, having a positive influence on the industry as a whole.
Save it all in your Dropbox folders.
4. Be Innovative
Find alternate ways to showcase your art. Don’t do what everyone else is doing.
Have your work exhibited in group exhibitions and at special events. This can include physical exhibitions in museums and at galleries, and also at online exhibitions/galleries.
License your work.
Collaborate with other artists.
Write scholarly or artistic criticisms of art that is published in industry media and online.
5. Be Proactive – Onscreen and Off
Find as many ways as you can to get your art and your name out there. There is a lot of competition for eyeballs on social media so posting to the various platforms may not be enough.
Join artist-community websites and upload your work there.
Create tutorials for aspiring artists.
But also find IRL (in real life) ways to make connections. Teach classes, give lectures and talks, judge competitions.
Don’t underestimate good, old-fashioned, hand shaking, eye contact ways of exposing people to your work and your talent.
These are just some of the ways in which you can begin TODAY to prepare for your O-1 visa. Remember, the better you are prepared, the better your O-1 petition will go, either now or in the future.
Contact us if you have any questions.