Visas For Educators & Researchers

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Visas For Educators & Researchers

Serving Clients Nationwide

Have you devoted your time, energy, and resources into education or research? The next destination of your endeavor may be the United States. If you have extraordinary abilities as an educator or researcher, you may qualify for an O-1A visa, which is a 3-year renewable visa reserved for certain individuals in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics. While this is a broad set of industries, obtaining an O-1 visa requires diligent preparation, substantial documentation, and an in-depth understanding of what USCIS needs to see before approving an application.


At Oakhurst Legal Group, we have extensive experience helping foreign educators and researchers obtain legal status in the United State. Our Charlotte educator visa attorneys can guide you through the application process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and present your case in the best possible lighting.

Let’s begin with a consultation. Call our office at 704-243-8178 or reach out to us online today.

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How To Qualify For An O-1A Visa

To qualify for an O-1A visa, you not only have to possess extraordinary abilities—you must demonstrate those abilities within your application. Proof generally involves sustained national or international recognition of achievement. Essentially, you must convince USCIS that you are a leader in your field, and your expertise surpasses that of most of your peers. Additionally, you must be visiting the U.S. solely to work in the field of your aforementioned abilities.

USCIS Specifically Looks For At Least 3 Of The Following Qualifications:

  • Receipt of prizes or awards at a national or international level
  • Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements or expertise
  • Original contributions to the field in a scientific, academic, or business-related capacity
  • Original authorship of academic articles in professional journals or media
  • Material in major publications or media about the applicant’s work
  • A notably high salary (as compared to others in the field)
  • Participation as a judge (on a panel or individually), evaluating the work of others in the industry
  • Critical or essential employment for distinguished organizations

If you have received a Nobel Prize or similarly recognized award, you do not need to meet the above qualifications. USCIS also allows you to submit alternative evidence if the above factors do not readily apply to your field.


If you qualify for the O-1A visa, we can also help you obtain legal status for your family members through the O-3 visa category.


If you have skills, ideas, or research you need to share with the world, let us help you advance your cause. Give our educator visa lawyers in Charlotte a call at 704-243-8178 or contact us online today.

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