O1B Peer Advisory Opinion Letter

Securing a U.S. visa as a creative professional can be complex and time-consuming. Between paperwork, deadlines, and agency requirements, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. At NAFBAC, we help simplify one important part of the process: obtaining the required consultation (advisory opinion) letter for an O-1B petition.

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What Is an Advisory Letter?

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When applying for an O-1B visa, foreign-born artists and creatives are required by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to submit a letter of consultation, also known as an advisory opinion letter, from a peer group or labor organization. This letter serves as a professional assessment of the beneficiary’s qualifications and achievements in their field and is submitted as part of the O-1B petition. Advisory opinion letters are non-binding on USCIS.

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As a national association representing foreign-born professionals across the creative industries, NAFBAC serves as a qualified peer group in accordance with USCIS guidelines and may issue advisory opinion letters when appropriate.

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Who We Support​

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We provide O-1B advisory letters for a wide range of creative professionals, including but not limited to:

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• Visual artists

• Illustrators

• Designers (graphic, fashion, industrial, product, urban, 3D, architectural, and research)

• Art and Creative Directors

• Photographers and Videographers

• Makeup Artists, Hairdressers, and Stylists

• Choreographers and performers

• Producers (excluding film/TV)

• Directors (excluding film/TV)

• Content creators and influencers

• Marketing and brand specialists

• Art managers and curators

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Whether you're an independent artist, a creative entrepreneur, or applying through a company or representative, NAFBAC may be able to review your materials to issue a consultation letter.

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How to Request a Letter

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You may request an O-1B peer advisory opinion letter through our online submission portal. Once we receive complete materials, our team will review the submission and issue a response within approximately five (5) business days.

If you are working under a tight deadline, a rush review (1 business day) may be requested for an additional fee. Rush reviews are accommodated on a best-efforts basis and are not guaranteed.

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We require the following documents to process your request:

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• A signed and dated Form I-129

• The petitioner's letter

• Itinerary outlining your work in the U.S.

• Deal memos or contracts

• Testimonials from experts in your field

• Press articles or media coverage

• Documentation of any awards or honors

• Proof of high salary or significant compensation

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Please ensure all documents are submitted in English or with certified translations.

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Fees

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• Standard letter: $250

• Rush service (1 business day): +$100

• Follow-up letter (for Requests for Evidence): +$100

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Rush review requests are accommodated on a best-efforts basis and are not guaranteed. Availability depends on current review volume and internal capacity. If a rush review cannot be accommodated, the rush fee will be refunded.

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Review Process

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Issuance of a letter is not guaranteed.

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NAFBAC charges a $250 review fee to evaluate submitted materials and determine whether the organization can issue a professional support letter.

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Of this amount, $50 is a non-refundable review and administrative fee that covers intake, evaluation of submitted materials, and internal review processes. The non-refundable review fee reflects the professional time and resources required to conduct a substantive evaluation, regardless of outcome.

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The remaining $200 is refundable if, based on the review, the submitted documentation does not sufficiently support issuance of a letter under NAFBAC’s review standards.

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NAFBAC does not provide legal advice or determine immigration eligibility.

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Please Note

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NAFBAC is not a union, labor organization, or management organization, but acts as a qualified peer group under USCIS guidelines. Applicants are responsible for confirming whether their visa category permits submission of a peer group consultation letter as a primary or supplemental requirement.

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NAFBAC is not an immigration law firm. For legal guidance, applicants should consult a qualified immigration attorney.