Legal Question in Immigration Law in California

Hi. I'm a filmmaker from Australia (living in Thailand at the moment, shooting a film) and I have already made one feature film (won two screening awards at a festival and that's it) and a few shorts (a few random awards here and there). Ideally, I would like to live and work in America as a filmmaker (it's the dream, really - not necessarily L.A. or anything, just to live and work as a filmmaker in the States). I have an IMDB listing and a bit of press/publicity behind my name, and I'm hoping this next film will garner me some more.

Anyway, to the point, I have been looking up the O-1 B visa and find it very difficult to find concrete answers about what is needed to apply and be awarded it. It's listed in a very vague way. I've spoken to actors who have gotten it, but they seem to be in a different field than film making, they just need a few credits in features and they get approved. I was wondering if that could be the case with Directing. Do I need two feature credits, or something along those lines, to be approved? What exactly are the immigration department expecting when the O-1B visa gets submitted?

Or is it a case of just keep making films until I win an award that has the studios knocking on my door? I hope not (for that may never happen), all I really want is to live and work in America, where film making is a living art, not something that people laugh at (which is the case in Australia). I don't care if it's commercials for cereal or big budget features.

Thank you kindly.


Asked on 3/01/10, 10:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Charles Medina Law Office of Charles Medina

Based on the information you provided, you might qualify for an O-1B visa but you need a sponsor to petition you. We can help you present your case in a manner that shows your exceptional abilities. We can guide you on what type of evidence you need to present to get your case approved.

You may visit our website at www.medinalawgroup.net. Our telephone number is 714-786-6835 and email is [email protected]. Thank you.

The above reply is for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular issue or problem. Use of and access to this Web site does not create an attorney-client relationship.

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Answered on 3/06/10, 11:02 am


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