✅ O-1B: approval
The musician received O-1B visa approval after receiving an RFE related to the US work plan and the absence of a contract with the petitioner.
Case parameters
Criteria claimed: 6
Filing: Premium Processing
Decision: January 7
RFE: 13th day after filing
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✓Recommendation letters
6 letters, 5 of them containing intents to collaborate
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✓US Additional Background
Experience working in the US and impact on cultural exchange
How it went
We showed 6 criteria for the O-1B, musician. We attached 6 recommendation letters, 5 of them containing intentions to collaborate. The letter authors are often mentioned in the petition. We also added a US Additional Background section, showing experience in the US and describing the impact of these international projects on cultural exchange between the US and Russia. Overall the case was fairly strong, except for the salary. That item was done just for formality — we didn’t expect it to be accepted.
We received an RFE on the 13th day of Premium Processing. They didn’t ask about the criteria; they were not satisfied with the work plan in the States. And we made a mistake in the petition — we forgot to attach the contract with the petitioner. So they asked us to clarify the petitioner’s role. We attached the contract, emphasizing that the petitioner is the beneficiary’s sole representative in the US, since musicians’ work is project-based and there may be many employers. We described the planned projects in the US in more detail. One project per season of the year through 2028 inclusive. And we clarified that the beneficiary will return home between these projects, because the RFE asked what he would do between projects. We wrote the response very concisely, 11 pages with all attachments.
We sent the response on December 23, 2025, and got approval on January 7. With the holidays, it probably took about 10 business days…
Main insight
“It’s important to attach all necessary documents, such as the contract with the petitioner, to avoid an RFE. It’s also advisable to describe the planned projects and the petitioner’s role in detail.”
Nadezhda (@NadiaMargo)
2025-12-23
Response to RFE sent
2026-01-07
Visa approved
Author of the story
Nadezhda (@NadiaMargo), from the chat @talentvisahelp. Original message in the chat.
Useful resources on the topic
All information about O-1 / EB-1A / EB-2 NIW
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