The United States wants to attract more foreign STEM (science, technology, engineering or mathematics) talent. O-1A nonimmigrant status is available to persons of extraordinary ability in science, business, education or athletics. New DHS guidance clarifies how they determine eligibility for immigrants of exceptional abilities, such as Ph.D. holders, in the science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) fields. Because of this, you must prove you’re an expert judge to qualify for an O-1A visa.
One of the criteria for an O-1A visa is “You should have participated on a panel as a judge of the work of others in your field.” If you’re in the technology or STEM fields and want to apply for an O-1A visa, and you meet the criteria to judge the work of others in your area, here are some ways to prove your “judge” and expert qualifications.
1. If you’re a researcher:
• Peer-review papers of others in your field in a professional journal or website
• Editing or reviewing an article in a professional journal or website.
• The review committee for a technical or STEM conference
• Participate on the application committee for STEM and technology scholarships and fellowships
2. If you’re an engineer:
• Find out about upcoming hackathons happening in your field and reach out to the organizers wanting to be a judge
• Ask to be on the employee evaluation and promotion committee at your company
3. If you’re a Product Manager or manager, you can do the following:
• Research thejudgeclub.com to find competitions and award shows in your field and apply to be a judge
• Ask to be on the employee evaluation and promotion committee at your company
To qualify for an O-1A visa, applicants must provide evidence that they have been invited to judge the work of others and have actually participated in judging the work of others in the same field they are applying for or a related field of specialization. Proof of judge qualifications include:
Many businesses obtain a competitive edge by recruiting foreign professionals for positions in American companies. Likewise, many foreign business entrepreneurs and professionals pursue a better life for their families by coming to live and work in the United States. Godoy Law Office provides business immigration law counsel and representation for employers and employees in all areas of immigration law.
Our experienced immigration team assists businesses and foreign professionals in achieving their goals through employment-based and entrepreneur-based visas. Contact Godoy Law Office at 630-912-0322.
AREAS WE SERVE: Godoy Law Office Immigration Lawyers serves the entire Chicago, Illinois area including DuPage, Cook, Kane, Will, and Lake Counties
Immigration Attorney Mario Godoy has years of experience guiding clients with immigration issues through the immigration process along with guiding clients through the criminal case. Godoy focuses on family-based immigration law, business immigration law, removal defense, and criminal defense representation of immigrants. A criminal charge or conviction can be devastating to your immigration case. With over a decade of immigration law experience and memories of family members who were deported due to bad legal advice, Godoy is committed to helping other immigrant families receive the legal justice they deserve. As a legal entrepreneur who practices immigration law, criminal law, estate and probate law, and running two successful law firms, Mario Godoy understands the importance of keeping families together and making a home and future in America.
