Artist Visa Application Tips｜How to Organize Your File with Daiso Index Tabs
Make Your Artist Visa File Easy to Read
Here’s a fresh tip for those applying for an O-1 Artist Visa. Recently, I wrote about using Daiso index tabs for my Oxford dictionary—but they’re also perfect for preparing visa application files.
Think about it from the perspective of an immigration officer: they review countless files every day. A well-organized, easy-to-navigate file makes a big difference.
Why Index Tabs Help
Index tabs act like a table of contents in a blog. Instead of flipping through every page, the officer can instantly jump to the section they need.
Without tabs, files become confusing and time-consuming. Immigration officers are busy. With so many O-1 applications to review each year, they don’t have time to carefully read messy, unorganized files. Sometimes, sloppy presentation alone can lead to rejection.
Adding clear index tabs makes important sections stand out and helps your file look professional.
Staples vs. Daiso Tabs
I used yellow tabs from Staples when I first made my visa file. They worked—but they were expensive. In the U.S., stationery often costs more than expected, and quality doesn’t always match the price. For example, shopping at Staples can easily cost over $50 just for basic supplies.
In contrast, Japanese stationery is high quality and affordable. That’s why Daiso index tabs are such a great solution—they’re cheap, reliable, and easy to use.
What You Need for an Artist Visa File
Here’s what I purchased when preparing my O-1 visa application:
- A4 paper for printing
- Printer ink
- Sturdy tabs (that don’t peel off)
- File covers (for organization)
- Hole punch
- Prong fasteners
Of these, tabs were surprisingly expensive. But with Daiso, you can cut costs while keeping your file neat and professional.
Daiso Arrives in Manhattan!
Great news: Daiso now has a store in Manhattan. If you’re preparing an artist visa file in New York, you can easily pick up index tabs and other affordable stationery there.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your visa file well is just as important as the content inside. Tabs make navigation simple, reduce stress for the officer, and give your file a professional look.
