O-1 visas are for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.[1]
Although business plans are not required for O-1 visa applications, they can help immigration attorneys build stronger O-1 petitions for clients in the area of business. More and more attorneys are including business plans as an integral part of their clients’ O-1 applications.
Like other immigration business plans, O-1 projects have to be credible and realistic, articulating the nature and scope of the business in question. However, O-1 plans differ in that they must highlight the hero of the story: the beneficiary. An effective O-1 business plan emphasizes how an individual with extraordinary abilities will be indispensable to the success of the business and details exactly how their specific skills will help achieve this goal. O-1 business plans also reference the beneficiary’s achievements in their field, providing evidence that they are likely to succeed again in this new venture.
Furthermore, since most O-1 applicants are sponsored by a company or employer, an O-1 business plan can assist in proving the viability of a beneficiary’s sponsor. While larger companies will have an easier time demonstrating their operational and financial capabilities, smaller employers often receive more attention from USCIS and may be asked to verify more facts about their businesses. For these smaller employers, such as start-ups, O-1 business plans help show their ability to compensate the foreign employee during their time in the U.S.
In order to approve an O-1 visa, USCIS must be able to understand the business the beneficiary will be involved in after only a quick read-through. Unfortunately, sponsors may have trouble clearly articulating their business models and growth plans. This is where a solid business plan comes in! O-1 business plans provide a detailed summary of the business that the beneficiary will be involved in, reducing the likelihood of any confusion.
At Visa Business Plans, we have prepared successful O-1 business plans for chefs, pizza concept entrepreneurs, architects, high-end designers, serial entrepreneurs, tattoo artists, and other individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts.
Visa Business Plans’ founder, Marco Scanu, was granted an O-1 visa in entrepreneurship and management of entrepreneurial ventures. Since his sponsor was a start-up, the attorney who handled his case decided to add a business plan to his application, making a tremendous difference in the outcome of his O-1 petition. Consequently, Mr. Scanu understands the importance of including solid immigration business plans in O-1 petitions better than anyone.
In addition to strengthening O-1 visa petitions, business plans can also help immigration attorneys effectively respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Contact Visa Business Plans today to learn more about how our thorough, comprehensive, and detailed immigration business plans can help you prepare a stronger O-1 visa petition.
Visa Business Plans is led by Marco Scanu, a certified coach from the University of Miami with a globally-based practice coaching Fortune 1000 company executives, entrepreneurs, as well as professionals in 4 different continents. Mr. Scanu advises clients on turnaround strategies and crisis management.
Mr. Scanu received a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Cum Laude) from the University of Florida and an MBA in Management from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Mr. Scanu was also a Visiting Scholar at Michigan State University under the prestigious H. Humphrey Fellowship (Fulbright program) with a focus on Entrepreneurship, Venture Capital and high-growth enterprises.
At present, Mr. Scanu is the managing partner and CEO at Visa Business Plans, a Miami-based boutique consulting firm providing attorneys and investors with business planning services in the areas of U.S. and Canadian immigration and SBA loans.
[1] U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services “O-1 Visa, Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement.” | December 1, 2020
