Artists & Entrepreneurs Latest News
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.
Similarly, Artists & Entrepreneurs will advise self-petitioners applying for National Interest Waiver Green Cards in the arts, sciences, business and athletics. For the National Interest Waiver Green Card, no US sponsor or full time employer is necessary.
Contact us: info@artistsandentrepreneurs.com
Artists & Entrepreneurs has been established to serve as a resource for foreign artists, athletes, entrepreneurs and others who want to live and work in the United States.
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….
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 2021 & 2022.
| Country | Profession | Date Filed | Date Case Approved | RFE? * | PP? ** |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | Photographer | 11/12/2021 | 1/11/2022 | No | No |
| Italy | Dancer | 12/7/2021 | 1/25/2022 | No | No |
| Korea | Opera Singer | 1/26/2022 | 2/7/2022 | No | Yes |
| Italy | Video Director (O1) & Stylist (O2) | 1/3/2022 | 2/3/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Illustrator | 1/13/2022 | 2/11/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Makeup Artist | 1/13/2022 | 2/17/2022 | No | No |
| New Zealand | Photographer | 1/20/2022 | 2/17/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Fashion Creative Consultant | 11/12/2022 | 2/22/2022 | No | No |
| Spain | Actress | 2/23/2022 | 3/24/2022 | No | No |
| China | Architect | 2/11/2022 | 3/7/2022 | No | No |
| Israle | Architectural Designer | 12/6/2021 | 3/16/2022 | No | No |
| China | Architectural Designer | 2/15/2022 | 3/30/2022 | No | No |
| Korea | Photographer | 2/18/2022 | 3/21/2022 | No | No |
| Taiwan | VFX Artist/Matte Painter | 3/17/2022 | 4/11/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | DJ | 3/16/2022 | 4/8/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Videographer/Video Editor | 8/24/2021 | 4/20/2022 | No | No |
| Korea | Motion Graphic Designer | 4/21/2022 | 4/26/2022 | No | Yes |
| Peru | Design Manager | 4/29/2022 | 5/19/2022 | No | No |
| Italy | Musician | 12/8/2021 | 6/7/2022 | Yes | No |
| Australia | Hair and Makeup Artist | 5/16/2022 | 6/6/2022 | No | No |
| Italy | Bilingual Music Historian/Guide | 4/29/2022 | 6/3/2022 | No | No |
| Italy | Hip hop dancer | 10/29/2021 | 6/23/2022 | Yes | No |
| Argentina | Musicologist | 6/21/2022 | 6/28/2022 | No | Yes |
| China | UX/UI Designer | 6/6/2022 | 7/11/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Fashion Designer | 6/23/2022 | 7/21/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Photographer | 7/14/2022 | 8/19/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Dancer/Choreographer/Instructor | 6/29/2022 | 8/1/2022 | No | No |
| China | Architectural Designer | 8/2/2022 | 9/8/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Pianist/Accompanist/Vocal Coach | 8/3/2022 | 9/8/2022 | No | No |
| Taiwan | VFX Artist/Matte Painter | 9/14/2022 | 9/22/2022 | No | Yes |
| Korea | Photographer | 8/31/2022 | 9/23/2022 | No | No |
| China | Opera Singer | 8/17/2022 | 9/19/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Hairstylist | 9/2/2022 | 9/29/2022 | No | No |
| China | Stylist | 8/22/2022 | 10/7/2022 | No | No |
| Japan | Composer/Orchestrator | 8/24/2022 | 10/14/2022 | No | No |
| Ireland | Video Editor | 9/15/2022 | 10/15/2022 | No | No |
| France | Photographer | 9/30/2022 | 10/17/2022 | No | No |
| Norway | Graphic Designer | 10/11/2022 | 11/3/2022 | No | No |
| Korea | Flutist | 11/17/2022 | 12/8/2022 | No | No |
Golden Visa Portugal
One of the main advantages of the Golden Visa in Portugal is that the requirements are fairly easy to meet, especially when you consider that you only have to be in the country for an average of 7-14 days per year during a five-year period. After five years with ARI, the program offers a path to a Portuguese passport and citizenship.
The beneficiaries of Golden Visa are entitled to:
- Residence visa waiver for entering Portugal.
- Living and working in Portugal on condition that they stay in Portugal for a period of 7 or more days in the first year, and 14 or more days in the subsequent years.
- Visa exemption for traveling within the Schengen Area.
- Family reunification.
- Applying for permanent residence (pursuant to the Aliens Act – Act number 23/2007 of 4 July with the current wording ).
- Applying for Portuguese citizenship, by naturalization, provided all other requirements set out by the Nationality Act are fulfilled (Act number 37/81 of 3 October, as amended).
Eligibility – Who may apply?
All third country citizens who conduct an investment activity as an inpidual businessperson, through a company set up in Portugal, or in another EU Member State, and who, in addition, are stably settled in Portugal, provided these citizens fulfill the quantitative requirements and the time requirements set out by the relevant legislation, may apply for a Residence Permit for Investment, by one of the following routes:
- Capital transfer with a value equal to or above 1.5 million Euros.
- The creation of at least 10 job positions.
- The purchase of real estate property with a value equal to or above 500,000 Euros.
- The purchase of real estate property with construction dating back more than 30 years or located in urban regeneration areas, for refurbishing, for a total value equal to or above 350,000 Euros.
- Capital transfer in the amount of 500,000 or more Euros for investing in research activities conducted by public or private scientific research institutions involved in the national scientific or technological system.
- Capital transfer in the amount of 250,000 or more Euros for investing in artistic areas including support, preservation, etc.
- Capital transfer in the amount of 500,000 or more Euros for the acquisition of units of investment funds or venture capital funds pursuant to the Portuguese Law.
- Capital transfer in the amount of 500,000 or more Euros to a Portuguese company combined with the creation of 5 permanent working jobs.
- The spouse.
- Minors or incapable children under guardianship of the couple or of one spouse.
- Minors adopted by an unmarried applicant, by a married applicant, or by the spouse following the decision taken by the relevant authority of the country of origin, provided that its legal framework comprises the same rights and duties of natural filiation, and provided that such decision is acknowledged by Portugal.
- Children who are of full age, unmarried and dependent of the couple or of one of the spouses, and study in an education establishment, regardless of the Country in which that establishment is located;
- First-degree relatives in the direct ascending line of the resident or his/her spouse, provided that they are dependent on them;
- Minor siblings provided they are under the tutelage of the resident, in accordance with a decision made by the relevant authority of the country of origin, and provided that such decision is recognised by Portugal.
What are the benefits?
- Freedom to live in Portugal.
- Free pass to travel through Europe, even with the limitations of the new ETIAS, which comes into force in 2022 (from then on, people who want to travel through Europe will need a permit).
- After 5 years, the holder of the ARI (Gold Visa) can apply for Portuguese citizenship.
- Dependent children and parents are also eligible for the same benefits.
- Need to spend only 7 days a year in Portugal.
- Tax regime for non-habitual residents of Portugal with tax benefits.
- Variety of investment options for wealth diversification.
- Security of a second home in a safe and stable country.
- Window of opportunity for the applicant and his family.
葡萄牙黄金签证的主要优势之一是要求比较简单，相对容易满足，特别是当您在五年内，每年只需在该国停留 7-14 天时。在拿到ARI的五年后，可以通过该计划获得葡萄牙护照和公民身份。
黄金签证的受益人有权：
• 在进入葡萄牙时享有居留签证的豁免。
• 在葡萄牙生活和工作，但前提是在葡萄牙的第一年必须停留 7 天或以上，随后几年在葡萄牙停留 14 天或以上。
• 在申根区内旅行免签证。
• 与家庭团聚。
• 申请永久居留权（根据《外国人法》——7 月 4 日第 23/2007 号法，现行措辞）。
• 通过入籍申请葡萄牙公民身份，前提是满足《国籍法》规定的所有其他要求（10 月 3 日第 37/81 号法案，经修订）。
资格 – 谁可以申请？
通过在葡萄牙或其他欧盟成员国设立的公司作为个体商人进行投资活动的所有第三国公民，并且在葡萄牙稳定定居的公民，只要满足数量要求和相关法律规定的时间要求，就可通过以下途径之一申请投资活动居留许可（ARI）：
• 价值等于或高于150 万欧元的资本转移。
• 创造至少10 个工作岗位。
• 购买价值等于或高于500,000 欧元的房地产。
• 购买建造时间超过 30 年或位于城市更新区的房地产进行翻新，总价值等于或超过 350,000 欧元。
• 500,000 欧元或以上的资金转移，用于投资于参与国家科学或技术系统的公共或私营科研机构开展的研究活动。
• 250,000 欧元或以上的资金转移，用于投资艺术领域，包括支持、保存等。
• 500,000 欧元或以上的资本转移，用于根据葡萄牙法律收购投资基金或风险投资基金单位。
• 向一家葡萄牙公司转移 500,000 欧元或更多欧元的资金，并创造 5 个长期工作岗位。
以下被视为家庭成员：
- 配偶。
- 由夫妻或一方监护的未成年人或无行为能力的儿童。
- 未婚申请人、已婚申请人或配偶根据原籍国有关当局的决定收养的未成年人，条件是其法律框架包含与自然亲子关系相同的权利和义务，并且葡萄牙承认这一决定。
- 成年、未婚且受抚养的夫妇或配偶之一的子女，并在教育机构学习，无论该机构位于哪个国家；
- 居民或其配偶的直系亲属，只要他们依赖他们；
- 未成年兄弟姐妹，只要他们在居民的监护下，根据原籍国有关当局的决定，并且该决定得到葡萄牙的认可。
好处有哪些？
- 在葡萄牙生活的自由。
- 穿越欧洲的免费通行证，即使受到2022 年生效的新ETIAS 的限制（从那时起，想要穿越欧洲的人需要获得许可证）。
- 5年后，持有ARI（黄金签证）的人可以申请葡萄牙国籍。
- 受抚养子女和父母也有资格获得同样的福利。
- 一年只需在葡萄牙逗留7 天。
- 享有葡萄牙非惯常居民的税收优惠政策。
- 多元化的财富多元化投资选择。
- 在安全稳定的国家拥有第二个家。
- 申请人及其家人的机会都有机会移民葡萄牙。
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