What is the advisory opinion or consultation requirement for an O-1 visa?

An O-1 petition generally must include a written advisory opinion (consultation) from a peer group, a person with expertise in your area, or a relevant labor or management organization.

For extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television, the consultation must come from both an appropriate labor union and a management organization with expertise in your field.

There are limited situations where the requirement can be waived, for example for certain artists seeking readmission to perform similar services within two years of a prior advisory opinion. The consultation helps USCIS confirm that your standing in the field supports the petition.