I was wondering if there was anyone around who had any experience living in another country as an actor moved to the states to pursue it full time. I wanted to know the steps you took to get your entertainers visa and how long were you working in your home country before you moved.
Acting : Question about immigration by Kadesh Collie
Question about immigration
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Getting an entertainer's (O1) visa is pretty difficult and costly. But it's not impossible. Ideally, you become a national celebrity in your own country first (meaning, you've at least booked one lead in a noticeable tv show or several supporting -- if not lead -- roles in movies. With that said, if there is a role that comes up and you're perfect for it, the US production company/studio can sponsor you for the O1. How would you get those opportunities? A good, reputable agent that would sell you like you're the best thing after McDonald's.
Just for example, there's this actor from New Zealand who landed a recurring part in an MTV series. It was shot in his home country. After the show aired in the US, which his character was well received, he flew to LA in which his agent got him auditions for. He was probably auditioning without an O1 but it didn't matter because he was just on a popular MTV show. He landed another series regular and I'm guessing the network paid for his O1.
Thank you for the response. Very informative.
Greetings Kadesh! I'm an American who has been a working actor in Korea for the past 8 years. I know my role is reveresed from yours but one of the things I learned quickly in reference to visa is to ask a lot of questions. I called Korean immigration so much they got tired of me. But because I did this I was able to find the legal loopholes in the immigration process. Key word here is "LEGAL Loopholes".
I'm sure your doing all you can but I would recommend reading every thing in reference to that O1 visa. Hope this helps and may your audience be ever growning.