US O-1 Visa: The 'Genius Visa' Gaining Popularity Amid H-1B Hurdles

• The O-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields like science, athletics, education, and business.
• Applicants must demonstrate national or international recognition and a record of sustained acclaim.
• Commonly used by startup founders, data scientists, senior academics, researchers, executives, and athletes.
• Unlike H-1B, the O-1 Visa has no annual limit, no specific educational background requirement, and allows multiple employers.
• Initial stay is up to three years, with possible one-year extensions; O-1A covers science/business, O-1B covers arts/film.

Why It Matters: The O-1 'genius visa' offers a flexible alternative for individuals with extraordinary abilities, bypassing H-1B limits.