In 2019, Chen-Wei Liao successfully completed the complex and incredibly expensive process of applying for an O-1 Visa. This is a Visa for individuals who "possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics [...] and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements." Chen-Wei is indeed extraordinary. She has become a vital part of the theatre community in the United States. Her work inspires audiences and collaborators alike.

However, the O-1 Visa must be regularly renewed. The pandemic has made it a particularly difficult few years for theatre professionals, and it has also made the process of applying for an O-1 Visa longer and more expensive. Our community has gained so much by having Chen-Wei here, yet she shouldered the financial burden of her first successful application entirely alone. Please help support her this time, as she has supported so many American artists, designers, technicians, and theatre-makers.

Our fundraising goal is $9500. These funds are for:

Attorney Fee: $6000

A competent, experienced attorney is essential to be able to successfully apply for an O-1 Visa. The petition is an enormous document of no less than 500 pages- Chen-Wei's previous, successful petition completed with the aid of an attorney was 700 pages.

Peer Group Letter: $500

One of the many things an attorney helps secure is a group letter from a body of peers in the field of the O-1 applicant. This letter, which evaluates the candidate's "extraordinary ability" and contributions to the field, is a vital part of the petition.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service's Filing Fee: $500

USCIS charges a fee to review the petition. This review process can take anywhere from two to six months to complete.

Premium Fee for Expedited O-1 Petition Review: $2500

We hope to be able to raise enough funds to expedite the petition process. This will give her needed time to complete this enormous application while juggling her work in the performing arts during a pandemic.