[bazillion]

Is an O-1 or EB-1 visa viable as a grandmaster in chess? There are, for instance, only about 100 grandmasters in the United States right now. We're looking at bringing over a Chess grandmaster to our company, but don't know the most efficient route (haven't talked to an immigration lawyer). If time to visa is a factor, is there an easier route?

[junar]

I assume they wouldn't be coming to the US to play chess...

> To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry, and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary...

> You must meet at least 3 of the 10 criteria* below, or provide evidence of a one-time achievement (i.e., Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal) as well as evidence showing that you will be continuing to work in the area of your expertise. No offer of employment or labor certification is required.

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent...

[sgjohnson]

I believe he's asking if he qualifies under the "one-time achievement" here

> You must meet at least 3 of the 10 criteria* below, or provide evidence of a one-time achievement (i.e., Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal) as well as evidence showing that you will be continuing to work in the area of your expertise. No offer of employment or labor certification is required.

I'd like to think that continuing to play chess professionally under the US flag would qualify as "continuing to work in the area of expertise", as this is a self-sponsored visa anyway.

Here's a case study from 2011 that says "yes, it qualifies". https://www.wegreened.com/blog/eb1/case-study-aao-sustained-...

[proberts]

What would this person be doing for your company?

[bazillion]

The company is a chess related company that sends instructors to school for afterschool events, so he would be teaching kids, instructing other instructors, helping run events (chess camps, tournaments, etc.), and giving private lessons.