B-1 to O Visa?

[tnvisaseeker]

Hello,

If someone comes to the US on a Business visa, can their company apply for an O1 for them?

This person is a famous photographer, with some pretty well know projects under his belt.

so my question is can they request a status change while here on B1 visa?

[Nandizzle]

for people on B1 business visas, their prospective employer or agent must first file and get an approved O1 petition from the USCIS. After that you may apply for an O1 visa/status either in your home country.

Usually, prior to your filing the O1 petition, you should obtain an advisory opinion from an appropriate consulting entity, such as a peer group, labor organization, or management organization. The advisory opinion is to state whether you qualify as an alien of extraordinary ability and whether such extraordinary abilities are required for the activities to be undertaken by you. In certain circumstances, this requirement can be waived or met by evidence that such an opinion is not available. Also see http://www.globallawcenters.com/o_1.php you will find a ton of helpful info there. take care!!