Is there a risk that USCIS will contest the market value of productions?

Yes, that risk exists. For the O visa, USCIS may closely examine the documentation supporting the market value of productions and question it when the evidence is not consistent or robust enough.

A challenge typically arises when there are discrepancies between what is claimed and what the documentation proves, or when elements linking the stated values to actual industry practices are missing. A well-organized evidentiary package greatly reduces that vulnerability. The following tend to weigh in your favor:

• Contracts consistent with the market practices in your field.
• Clear proof of payments and the working relationship.
• Expert statements that contextualize the values.

Because the review is conducted on a case-by-case basis, the best defense is detailed and verifiable documentation. It is worth checking the latest guidance from USCIS or working with a specialist to put that evidentiary package together.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.