Artists & Entrepreneurs Latest News
Artists & Entrepreneurs (“A&E”) has been established to serve as a resource for foreign designers, artists, entrepreneurs and others who want to live and work in the United States.
In 2025, A&E had 38 O-1 approvals for a range of professions, including photographers, hair & make-up artists, journalists, musicians, dancers, actresses, lighting designers, fashion/textile designers, UX/product designers, architectural designers, curators, and AI consultants.
38 O-1 Approvals in 2025
We continue to successfully process Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement (O-1)
Artists & Entrepreneurs serves as a visa sponsor for those who need an agent-petitioner in the United States for O or P visa purposes. Many O and P visa applicants are self-employed and work as independent contractors. Hence, they do not have full-time employers to sponsor them.
The O-1 agent scenario is ideal for designers, artists, and others who wish to work on a self-employed basis for multiple employers on short-term contracts or engagements. In this case, A&E, as agent, will sign the O-1 visa application and will serve as the representative, for immigration purposes, of both the O-1 visa applicant and the various employers that the applicant will be working for. A schedule of engagements must be provided for the O-1 period requested.
Another option for the agent- based O-1 is where the O-1 applicant has a full-time overseas employer who is sending them to the US and provides an employment contract and evidence of US-based work. Here, A&E can serve as US agent for the overseas employer.
A&E can also facilitate where the O-1 visa applicant has a full-time US employer but that employer does not wish to sign any immigration-related paperwork. In this case, A&E can serve as agent for the employer and sign the paperwork if the employer authorizes A&E to do so.
Note: A&E can only serve as agent-petitioner where the O-1 visa applicant has qualified legal counsel.
Contact us: info@artistsandentrepreneurs.com
Artists & Entrepreneurs was established by veteran New York immigration attorney, Jane Orgel Esq., who has been practicing immigration law for almost 20 years.
Download Our Testimonial Portfolio Booklet
Read about the successes we have had in obtaining Green Cards, O-1 and H-1B visas for artists, designers, textile artists, researchers, scientists, sports & marketing professionals, creative entrepreneurs →
Testimonial
James K. Lowe
James (https://jamesklowe.com) is an acclaimed Photographer. He received his MFA from Elam School of Fine Arts, University of Auckland in 2017. We filed Mr. Lowe’s first O-1 case on January 20, 2022 and it was approved on February 17, 2022.
Testimonial
Chef, Julie Myrtille
In March 2020, French pastry chef, Julie Khim Tewes (“Julie Myrtille”) and her sister and manager, Melanie Khim Tewes, received three-year renewals of their O-1 and O-2 visas in just seven days through Artists & Entrepeneurs Inc. Entrepreneurs Julie and Melanie run their own pastry store in Austin, Texas and create a whole line of pastries….
Opportunities for Artists
To explore various opportunities for artists, including upcoming residencies, fellowships, grants, and exhibition open calls, please visit the Opportunities for Artists section on the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council (LMCC) website. For more information, refer to the details in the linked section provided by the LMCC.
Amelie Held
Organist Amelie Held graduated with an Artist Diploma from The Juilliard School in New York and obtained a 3 year O-1 visa through Artists & Entrepreneurs in May 2024.
Known for her red organ shoes, organist Amelie Held quickly became an internationally acclaimed artist. She regularly performs on stages in Europe and the United States. Her solo concert activities include performances at the Gewandhaus Leipzig, the Philharmonie Essen, the Konzerthalle Bamberg, the Konzerthaus Dortmund, the Helsinki Music Center and the St. Petersburg Mariinsky Concert Hall as well as major cathedrals in the world’s most important music centres, such as Leipzig, Hamburg, Lübeck, Milan, Paris, Zurich, London, Boston and New York City. Raised in Munich, Germany, in a non-musician family, Amelie released her debut album at the young age of 22 and has won several prizes at international organ competitions. She was one of the youngest finalists of the prestigious French Concours International de Chartres (2018She has a broad repertoire, both as a soloist and with orchestra and chamber ensemble, ranging from early music to contemporary compositions as well as her own transcriptions.
Testimonial
Interactive Artist/ Video Designer, Wei-fang Chang
Wei-fang Chang is a Taiwanese new media artist/ video designer. Her O-1 was approved in May 2026 with Premium Processing. Wei-Fang has worked for clients across the U.S. and Taiwan, including CalArts, REDCAT, LA Dance Project, Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, The Tank NYC, MOCA Taipei, Taipei Performing Arts Center, and National Taichung Theater. She also freelances as a TouchDesigner developer and collaborates on interactive programming with studios such as NightLight Labs (LA), One to 13 Studio (NY), AARTIFACT Studio (NY), and LuxuryLogico (TW).
After receiving her O-1, Wei-fang wrote: “I had my O-1 visa approved on the first try as a video designer and interactive artist. Throughout the application process, Rongrong was consistently responsive and professional. I highly recommend Jane Orgel PC to any creative looking to pursue the O-1! ”
Testimonial
Architectural Designer, Beatriz de Uña Bóveda
We are proud to share the success story of our client, Beatriz de Uña Bóveda, an accomplished architect whose O-1 petitions our firm successfully secured in 2021, 2023, and 2026.
Beatriz has built an impressive international career through her work with respected architectural firms in the United States and Europe, including studioMDA, Worrell Yeung, and Dinell Johansson. Her projects have been connected to notable architectural and cultural spaces such as the Marian Goodman Gallery, Matthew Brown Gallery, 143 Franklin, and Canal Projects, and her work has been featured in publications including The New York Times, Designboom, Wallpaper*, Hyperallergic, Ocula Magazine, and The Art Newspaper……
Testimonial
Architectural photographer, Gunner Gu
Shiyin “Gunner” Gu is a British architectural photographer skilled in both digital and analog mediums. His photographs capture the beauty of exceptional designs both contemporary and historical, ensuring that each image reflects the artistry behind the architecture. Mr. Gu received a 3 year O-1 approval in February 2026 with Premium Processing. Examples of his illustrious photography are here and can also be found at gunnergu.com. Mr. Gu states:
“I’m a British architectural photographer, came across Jane’s service when I was researching O1 feasibility. From the initial consultation to understand the process to the actual application handling, everything was carried out meticulously and efficiently.
Jane’s associate Rongrong has been instrumental in the application preparation, with clear instruction, attention to detail, I had my portfolio ready in four weeks……
Testimonial
Founder of AI Biotech Company, Tim Chen
In March 2026, Chinese national, Tim Chen, received in O-1A approval as the founder of an AI Biotech Company through an agent-based petition through Artists & Entrepreneurs Inc. Chen was a STEM Postdoctoral Researcher in the US who became an entrepreneur. He holds a PhD in Physical Chemistry. Dr. Chin writes:
“Jane and her team are very professional. They helped me plan the right entrepreneurial path and did an excellent job preparing my petition. They have great strategies for showing my results to USCIS and know exactly which exhibits make a strong case. Her expertise with the agent-based O-1A was key to starting my company here in the U.S. With the O1 approval, I can focus on using AI and quantum tech to shorten the drug discovery process and tackle diseases. I highly recommend her to any entrepreneur or researcher.”
Testimonial
Mezzo-Soprano, Caterina Rossini
Caterina Rossini’s O-1 was approved in 3 weeks in December 2025 using Premium Processing. She writes:
“I’m so grateful to Jane Orgel for her help with my O-1 visa! As a mezzo-soprano, having knowledgeable, strategic guidance made all the difference, and Jane was outstanding from start to finish. She explained each step clearly, stayed on top of every detail, and made the process feel organized and manageable. I highly recommend her to anyone pursuing an O-1.”
Testimonial
Fashion PR Manager/Consultant, Fiona (Yu-Ting) Kao
Fiona (Yu-Ting) Kao’s O-1 as a Fashion PR Manager/Consultant was approved in December 2025 through premium processing. Fiona received a Master’s degree in Costume Studies from New York University in May 2024 and a Bachelor of Business Administration from National Taiwan University in 2021. Fiona Kao is a New York–based fashion PR and influencer marketing specialist with over five years of experience supporting global luxury brands, including KCD and Peter Do. She manages media relations, influencer partnerships, and international sample logistics, with coverage in Vogue Runway, WWD, and Hypebeast. Fiona holds a Master’s in Costume Studies from NYU and combines strategic thinking with precise, results-driven execution.
Testimonial
Textile Artist, Aneri Shah
Aneri Shah is a textile artist working at the intersection of materiality, identity, and feminist narratives. Aneri’s practice embraces both craft lineage and modern technology, creating immersive pieces that question representation and autonomy. Aneri’s agent-based O-1, with Artists & Entrepreneurs as sponsor, was approved through Premium Processing in November 2025. She recently received her O-1 visa at the consulate in her home country.
Testimonial
Ukrainian Artist, Filmmaker and Educator, Oksana Kazmina
Oksana Kazmina is a Ukrainian artist, filmmaker and educator. She works at the intersection of performance and moving image. Since 2015, Kazmina has been working on her debut feature, “Underwater,” which evolved into an online exhibition www.dokvira.cam. Oksana’s O-1B was approved in September 2025 in 15 business days with Premium Processing.
Testimonial
U.K. Innovation Leader, Richard Meiklejohn
Mr. Richard Meiklejohn is an Innovation Leader renowned for his transformative contributions to life sciences, business strategy, and medical technology, driving advancements in healthcare and fostering economic growth through groundbreaking initiatives and strategic leadership. His O1A petition, filed as an agent case with premium processing, was submitted on October 31, 2024, and approved on November 19, 2024
Testimonial
Soprano, Darya Narymanava
Soprano Darya Narymanava obtained a Master of Music in Voice Performance from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee in 2023. She received her O-1 visa stamp in June 2025 and is thrilled!
Testimonial
Landscape Designer, Yijia Xu
Yijia Xu is a landscape designer based in New York City. She holds a master’s degree from the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania. We helped her file an agent-based O-1 petition on May 12, 2025, with premium processing, and the case was smoothly approved on May 30, 2025.
Testimonial
Architectural Designer, Ruijing Sun
Ruijing Sun is an architectural designer based in New York City. She holds a master’s degree from Columbia University in the City of New York. We helped her file an agent-based O-1 petition on June 3, 2025, with premium processing, and the case was smoothly approved on June 18, 2025.
Testimonial
Chinese Global Investment Strategist, Sunminyi He
Sunminyi He is a Global Investment Strategist and serves as the CEO of her own financial consulting company. We submitted her O1A application on 2/13/2024, and it was approved on 3/28/2024. It was not expedited, and there were no Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Testimonial
Ecuadorian Illustrator, Vanessa Shive
In February 2024, illustrator Vanessa Shive from Ecuador obtained an O-1 approval through agent Artists &Entrepreneurs in 3 weeks with standard processing. Vanessa received a BFA in Visual Development from Academy of theArts University in San Francisco in 2021. She is currently studying towards a Master’s degree in Illustration . Vanessa’swork appeared in the November 2019 issue of Harper’s Bazaar Spain.
Testimonial
Singaporean Entrepreneur，James Ong
James Ong serves as the CEO of his own company, which specializes in AI-powered software that streamlines carbon accounting. We submitted his O1A application on 12/26/2023, and it was approved on 1/23/2024. It was not expedited, and there were no Requests for Evidence (RFEs).
Testimonial
Indian Textile Designer, Amirtha Arasu
Ms. Amirtha Arasu is a Textile Designer from India. We applied for her first O-1 visa on June 3, 2024, and it was approved on July 18, 2024.
Testimonial
Painist from Hong Kong, Brian Wong
Brian Wong is an active solo pianist, collaborative pianist, and orchestral keyboardist based in New York City. He is currently a staff pianist for the Juilliard School. We filed his initial O-1 consular processing case in June and it was approved in 2 months.
Testimonial
Taiwanese Visual/Brand Designer, Crystal Lo
Crystal Lo (ins: @luos.crystal) is a Visual/Brand Designer. She holds an MFA from the School of Visual Arts and is currently employed at a prominent visual design company in New York. We submitted her case in March, and it was successfully approved by the Vermont Service Center in July 2024.
Testimonial
Chinese Interior Designer, Shu Zhao
Shu Zhao has been an interior designer since 2014. She received her MFA from Parsons School of Design in 2013. We filed Ms. Zhao’s first O-1 case on February 14, 2022 and it was approved on March 29, 2022.
Testimonial
Taiwanese VFX Compositer and Matte Painter, Chun Yao Chang
Chun Yao Chang (https://www.cchunyao.com/) is an award-winning VFX Compositor and Matte Painter. He received a BA degree in Visual Design from National Kaohsiung Normal University in Taiwan in 2012 and an MFA degree in Computer Arts from the School of Visual Arts in New York in 2019. We submitted his agent-based O-1 on 03/17/2022, and it was approved in less than a month on 04/11/2022 with regular non-expedite processing.
Testimonial
Japanese photographer and videographer, Reiko Yanagi
Reiko Yanagi is a Japanese photographer and videographer. We submitted her 3-year O-1 application in April 2021 and her O-1 was approved six weeks later in May 2021. We used standard processing.
This is the second three-year O-1 visa we have obtained for Reiko and despite complicated fact patterns, both were approved without an RFE.
Testimonial
Fintech Entrepreneur and AI Consultant, Zhuangzhuang (Marshall) Chang
Fintech Entrepreneur and AI (Artificial Intelligence) Consultant, Zhuangzhuang (Marshall) Chang, received his 3-year O-1A visa in February 2021 without a Request for Evidence. This case was sponsored by an agent since Mr. Chang is essentially self-employed through his own companies.
Testimonial
Illustrator/Graphic Designer, Sandra Jockus
Ms. Sandra Jockus is an illustrator/graphic designer from Germany. We filed her first O-1 visa on June14, 2023, and it was approved on July 21, 2023.
Testimonial
Musical Theatre Performer, Libby Johnston
Illustrator/Graphic Designer, Sandra Jockus
Libby Johnston is a New York-based musical theatre performer from New Zealand who has appeared in numerous productions across both hemispheres since her professional stage debut in 2017. We filed her first O-1 visa on May 31, 2023, and it was approved on July 13, 2023.
Testimonial
Dancer and yoga instructor, Aya Jane Saotome
Aya Jane Saotome, a dancer and yoga instructor from UK, was approved her 3 year O-1 visa in July 2020. Aya’s case was filed on June 5, 2020 and approved on July 6, 2020 through regular processing.
Testimonial
Cinematographer, TinNgai Chan
TinNgai (“Tin”) Chan is a L.A.-based Cinematographer from China. We submitted his 3-year agent-based O-1 application on March 31, 2021 and his case was approved on May 12, 2021 with standard processing.
Tin’s background in engineering has sharpened his skills as a solution-oriented and communicative filmmaker. Coupling his engineering skills with an obsessive interest in image and sound, Tin earned his MFA in Film Production in 2019 at Loyola Marymount University, where he directed and photographed “Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary,” a short film currently circulating among festivals.
Testimonial
Dancer, Amanda Collins
In June 2020, Australian back-up dancer, Amanda Collins, received a second three-year O-1 within 4 weeks of filing her case through our office. Despite the fact that Amanda had almost no press, our office, with 20 years of experience, was able to create a solid case for this exemplary dancer.
Testimonial
Chinese PR Consultant/Specialist in Asian Arts & Culture, EE
EE is a Chinese national who received a Master’s Degree in Performing Arts Administration at New York University in 2016. Her O-1 was approved in September 2021.
Testimonial
Japanese Textile Artist, Terumi Saito
Terumi Saito is a Japanese Textile artist. She received an MFA in Textiles from Parsons School of Design in New York in May 2020. Her O-1 was submitted on August 25, 2021 and approved on September 13, 2021.
Testimonial
Assistant Conductor, Alvin Ho
Alvin Ho holds the position of Assistant Conductor at the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, specializing in classical music. Our assistance was instrumental in obtaining his O1-B Visa. The application was submitted on August 10, 2023, and remarkably, it received approval on August 15, 2023. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Musical Arts in Orchestral Conducting at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music.
The chart below shows some of our Artist & Entrepreneur O-1 Approvals for 2025.
| Country | Profession | Date Filed | Date Case Approved | RFE | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| China | Landscape Designer | 01/08/25 | 01/28/25 | No | Yes |
| New Zealand | Photographer | 11/12/24 | 01/29/25 | No | No |
| Cyprus | Film Producer | 01/16/25 | 05/02/25 | No | Yes |
| Italy | Bassist/Musician | 12/16/25 | 02/26/25 | No | No |
| China | Architectural Designer | 08/05/24 | 03/08/25 | No | No |
| Russia | Visual Artist | 09/03/24 | 03/15/25 | No | No |
| Canada | Motivational Speaker | 09/27/24 | 03/25/25 | No | No |
| Korea | Soprano | 03/21/25 | 04/09/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Fashion Creative Consultant | 11/27/24 | 04/04/25 | No | No |
| Belarus | Opera Singer | 11/29/24 | 07/04/25 | No | No |
| Taiwan | VFX Compositor | 11/03/25 | 04/24/25 | No | No |
| Canada | SInger/Songwriter | 04/14/25 | 05/01/25 | No | Yes |
| Uzbekistan | Pianist | 06/05/25 | 05/20/25 | No | Yes |
| Germany | Medical Wellness Content Creator/Influencer | 05/07/25 | 05/23/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Fashion Designer | 05/15/25 | 05/27/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Visual designer | 05/20/25 | 05/28/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Landscape Designer | 05/12/25 | 05/30/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Hairstylist | 02/20/25 | 05/31/25 | No | No |
| Taiwan | Motion Designer | 05/21/25 | 02/06/25 | No | Yes |
| India | Lead Architectural and Urban Designer | 05/15/25 | 03/06/25 | No | Yes |
| Malta | Performing Artist | 04/25/25 | 03/06/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Makeup Artist | 02/24/25 | 06/14/25 | No | No |
| China | Architectural Designer | 06/03/25 | 06/18/25 | No | Yes |
| India | Textile Designer | 07/07/25 | 11/07/25 | No | Yes |
| Korea | Motion Graphic Designer | 06/27/25 | 07/11/25 | No | Yes |
| Belgium | Architectural Designer | 03/18/25 | 07/21/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Pianist/Accompanist/Vocal Coach | 03/07/25 | 07/23/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Landscape Architectural Designer | 05/28/25 | 08/11/25 | No | Yes |
| South Korea | Architectural Designer | 07/25/25 | 08/12/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | Perfomer/Choreographer/Instructor | 05/08/25 | 08/16/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Architect | 08/20/25 | 09/05/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Architectural Designer | 08/20/25 | 09/09/25 | No | Yes |
| China | Opera Single | 06/23/25 | 09/16/25 | No | Yes |
| Japan | DJ | 03/26/25 | 09/30/25 | No | No |
| Japan | Architectural Designer | 09/19/25 | 10/03/25 | No | Yes |
| Taiwan | Fashion PR Manager/ Consultant | 10/21/25 | 11/06/25 | No | Yes |
| Italy | Singer/vocal coach | 12/01/25 | 12/17/25 | No | Yes |
| Korea | Pianist | 10/25/25 | 12/17/25 | No | Yes |
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