United States of America · work sponsored
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
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Overview
The O-1 visa is granted to those who can demonstrate extraordinary ability through sustained national or international acclaim. O-1A covers sciences, education, business, and athletics; O-1B covers the arts (including motion picture and television). Unlike the H-1B, O-1 is not numerically capped and has no lottery, though it requires high evidentiary standards and a US employer or agent petitioner.
Processing time
Regular: 2–4 months. Premium processing: 15 business days.
See source window: 2 months – 6 months →Government fees
I-129 base USD 1,055 (most employers), plus asylum program fee (USD 600). Premium processing USD 2,805.
Typical duration
Up to 3 years initially; 1-year extensions available indefinitely.
Primary source
USCIS — O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Sustained national or international acclaim, or an extraordinary record in the arts.
Either a major internationally recognised award, or at least 3 of 8 USCIS-defined criteria (e.g. judging, publications, original contributions, high salary, press, membership).
A US employer or agent must file Form I-129 on behalf of the beneficiary.
Written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group or labour organisation (if one exists).
Common blockers
Evidence that is thin on national-level recognition (only local press or internal awards).
Authored material that fails the scholarly publication standard for the field.
Typical evidence
Letters of recommendation from experts in the field.
Press coverage, citations, major awards.
Contracts, deal memos, or agent agreements evidencing US engagements.
Application pathway
Step 1
Assemble evidence package
Document awards, press, publications, judging, original contributions, and recommendation letters.
Step 2
Obtain peer advisory opinion
Request a consultation letter from a relevant peer group or union.
Step 3
US employer or agent files I-129
Petition filed with USCIS including O supplement and evidence.
Step 4
Consular processing
Beneficiary applies for O-1 visa at US consulate.
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Related routes
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)
Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.
Frequently asked questions
Can an O-1 be used by a founder of their own company?
A founder cannot directly petition themselves, but a US-incorporated company or US agent may file on their behalf. USCIS has issued guidance clarifying that evidence such as investor funding, press, and a critical role at a distinguished organisation can support an O-1A for entrepreneurs.
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We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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