Union Advisory Opinions One Year After the Hollywood Strikes

One year after the historic Hollywood strikes, the impact on union advisory opinions, which is a required part of the O-1 process, has become a critical point of discussion. Unions such as the Writers Guild of America (WGA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG-AFTRA), and other professional organizations are tasked with providing advisory opinions that determine whether a foreign artist or performer qualifies for an O-1 visa. These opinions are an essential part of the visa application process, as USCIS uses them to evaluate whether the applicant possesses "extraordinary ability."

Since the strikes, unions have placed greater emphasis on the protection of U.S. labor interests. As a result, the process of obtaining favorable advisory opinions may have become more stringent for foreign workers. Some unions now require more extensive documentation to prove that the foreign national is not only extraordinary in their field but that their work will not negatively affect U.S. workers. However, the unions still recognize the importance of bringing international talent to the U.S. and continue to support those with truly exceptional skills.

SAG-AFTRA  now only issues advisory opinions for SAG productions. Producers Guild of America (PGA) now requires all production applicants to show a specific number of credits to qualify. Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) requires the completion of additional forms and applications as part of the advisory opinion request process, to give a few examples of the changes that have occurred.

If you're navigating the O-1 visa process and need guidance on how to approach union advisory opinions, the Global Talent Immigration Law Group offers free consultations. We’re here to help you understand the current landscape and to ensure your application stands out.