When it comes to immigration law, there are a great deal of facets to consider; at the core of it all, of course, is the question of who gets to work legally and stay in the country. In the current climate, as these kinds of questions are fiercely debated in the media, one area that’s not discussed as often is that of entertainment immigration law. Here to help disentangle this aspect of the legal practice is NYC’s best immigration lawyer, Neal Richardson Datta, who helps clients with this all of the time.

So what is entertainment immigration law? 

• Scope: Primarily, this is the type of law that deals in ensuring that artists from other countries are granted the right kind of visa that will allow them to live and do their art legally in the US.
• The O-Visa: The right to stay in the country as an artist or performer is granted through the O-1, sometimes called the “Artist Visa.” This type is reserved for “aliens of extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences or business.” Any time, for instance, you have an entertainer from overseas perform in the US, this type of visa is required, and it also applies to visual artists, writers, dancers, professional athletes and those in creative industries.
• Duration: The initial O-1 is granted for a period of three years, and, once granted, it can be renewed for a year at a time an indefinite number of times.
• Proof: The process of successfully applying for this visa is fairly exhaustive, requiring documented proof of education and practice in the arts. One of the specialties of Neal Richardson Datta’s practice involves helping applicants negotiate this minutia.

The work that Neal Richardson Datta does helps ensure that talented entertainers and artists are able to do their work state-side, which is beneficial both to the career of the applicant and the country as a whole.

To learn more about obtaining the O-1 or many other types of immigration law practiced at this firm, check out Neal Richardson Datta's website or call (212) 358-9680.