Merit-based classification
O-1B Extraordinary Achievement in the Arts or Motion Picture / Television
O-1B in the arts applies a 'distinction' standard — a high level of achievement substantially above that ordinarily encountered — rather than the acclaim standard used for O-1A. Motion picture and television petitions follow a separate criteria list and require a consultation from both a labor union and a management organisation. The evidentiary vocabulary is reviews, billing, credits and box office rather than citations and patents.
Governing standard
Distinction standard with six criteria; MPTV uses a separate track
8 CFR 214.2(o)(3)(iv) and (o)(3)(v)
- Denial rate after RFE
- 12.8%
- Median processing
- 58 days
- Form
- I-129
- Initial RFE rate
- 26.1%
- Median exhibit pages
- 240
- Manual assembly
- 14 hrs
- On Docket Build
- 38 min
Statutory criteria
What the record has to establish.
Each element below is a mapped criterion in the Docket Build criteria pack, with its citation and the evidence types that satisfy it.
Lead or starring role in distinguished productions
(o)(3)(iv)(B)(1)
- Billing
- Contracts
- Publicity releases
- Reviews
National or international recognition
(B)(2)
- Critical reviews
- Major newspaper and trade coverage
Lead role for distinguished organisations
(B)(3)
- Engagement letters
- Organisation reputation evidence
Record of major commercial or critical success
(B)(4)
- Box office
- Ratings
- Sales figures
- Chart positions
Significant recognition from experts
(B)(5)
- Testimonials with author credentials
High salary relative to others in the field
(B)(6)
- Contracts
- Union rate cards
- Comparative compensation
Failure modes
What actually draws a request on a O-1B.
Compiled from the request language our customers record on their own matters and from published AAO decisions in this classification.
Full RFE trends hub- Consultation letter that does not address the specific engagement
- Reviews of the production rather than of the beneficiary
- Itinerary that does not cover the full requested validity period
- Undated press clippings or clippings without an identified outlet
Document checklist
What a complete filing carries.
Full printable checklist →Consultations
Labor union consultation
Required for MPTV; strongly advised for arts
Management organisation consultationwhere applicable
MPTV petitions only
Achievement evidence
Reviews and press with translations
Publication, date, author and circulation for each
Credits, billing and programmes
Showing the beneficiary's position in the production
Commercial performance recordswhere applicable
Box office, streaming, chart or ratings data
Expert testimonial letters
With the author's credentials in the same discipline
Engagement and forms
Contracts and deal memos
For each engagement in the requested period
Itinerary of events
Dates, venues and roles
Form I-129 with O supplement and G-28
Cross-checked against the itinerary
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