Managing Partner Michael Wildes is pleased to announce that Wildes & Weinberg has secured O-2 visa classification approval on behalf of Artist Manager/A&R Simon Belofsky.
Originally from the U.K., Simon has led an illustrious career in the music industry over the last 20 years. He was the Managing Director of Serious Records and Co-owner of the Serious Group of companies. He has managed a number of successful artists internationally and has co-written and co-produced award-winning songs such as “It Feels So Good” by Sonique. He has also worked on major events such as Majorca Live, Dubai Live and London Live, and has promotes live music events and booking headlining musicians such as Jesse J, Calvin Harris, Tinnie Tempah, Professor Green and Run DMC. With his O-2 visa, Simon will be coming to the U.S. to work as Artist Manager/A&R in support of popular DJ and music producer, Chris Barratt, a.k.a. “Eagles and Butterflies” who has an O-1 visa.
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 three of the 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).
An O-2 visa is issued to individuals who provide support to the O-1 visa holder who is employed in the field of arts, athletics, motion picture and television production.
For more than fifty eight 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-1/2 visa category, please visit our Immigration 101 page or contact Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com.