Managing Partner Michael Wildes is pleased to announce that Wildes & Weinberg has secured O-1 visa classification on behalf of Kye Smith, an incredibly talented drummer from Australia, based on his extraordinary ability and success in the arts.
Kye Smith has skyrocketed to fame in the last few years in Australia and internationally. He is best known for his viral YouTube videos, in which he expertly performs drum medleys that have been viewed by millions. He has also performed with many popular bands over the years, including NOFX, Frenzal Rhomb, Local Resident Failure and The Porkers.
Kye will be performing at the Knicks halftime show at Madison Square Garden in January, and will also be performing with many popular bands on tour in the U.S. over the next few years. We look forward to watching his successes continue to grow!
In order to qualify for an O-1 visa which allows individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, athletics, education or business to live and work in the United States, a foreign national must provide adequate documentation to demonstrate that he/she has sustained national or international acclaim in their field.
In addition, the individual must provide substantial evidence to prove that he/she meets 3 of the 6 evidence categories defined by statute, as well as a written advisory opinion from a labor union or relevant peer group. The O-1 visa applicant must also show that he/she has an offer of employment in the United States to work in his/her field of expertise (or several offers of employment from multiple sources, along with a third-party Agent to petition on the individual’s behalf and connect him/her to the multiple employers).
For more than fifty six years, the firm of Wildes & Weinberg has concentrated its practice in all aspects of U.S. immigration and nationality law, servicing the immigration requirements of prominent American and International individuals and corporations, banks, industrial, financial and manufacturing concerns, and law firms in connection with the personnel needs of their foreign national employees. In addition, the firm has a distinguished clientele and has done substantial immigration work for investors, scientists, physicians, bankers, performing artists, directors, writers, models, actors, athletes, fine artists, art dealers, curators, musicians, and literary agents.
For more information on the O-1 visa category, which allows individuals of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, athletics, education and business to live and work in the United States, please visit our Immigration 101 page or contact Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.