The O-1 extraordinary ability visa.
The O-1 is for people who can show sustained national or international recognition in their field. There is no lottery and no annual cap, so a strong case can be filed at any time of year.
- Visa type
- Temporary work visa
- Initial stay
- Up to 3 years
- Extensions
- 1 year at a time, no limit
- Lottery
- None
About the O-1.
The O-1 comes in two forms. The O-1A covers science, education, business, and athletics. The O-1B covers the arts and the motion picture and television industry.
Instead of a degree requirement, the O-1 asks for evidence: awards, press, original work, high pay, or roles that show you’re among the small group at the top of your field. A U.S. employer or agent files the petition for you, which means founders can often be sponsored by their own company.
Because there is no cap, many professionals who aren’t selected in the H-1B lottery look at the O-1 next.
Commonly used by
- Startup founders
- Researchers and scientists
- Senior engineers
- Artists and performers
- Film and TV professionals
Who may qualify for the O-1.
For the O-1A, you need either a major internationally recognized award, or evidence that meets at least three of the criteria below. The O-1B uses similar criteria adapted for the arts.
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Awards and memberships
Nationally or internationally recognized prizes, or membership in associations that require outstanding achievement.
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Published material about you
Articles in major media or professional publications about you and your work.
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Judging the work of others
Serving as a reviewer, panelist, or judge in your field.
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Original contributions
Work of major significance, such as patents, widely adopted products, or influential research.
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Scholarly articles
Authorship of articles in professional journals or major media.
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Critical roles and high pay
A critical role at a distinguished organization, or a salary well above others in your field.
This is general information, not legal advice. Only a licensed attorney can assess whether you qualify. The free check shows whether the O-1 may be worth exploring for you.
Start for freeO-1 costs and processing times.
Government fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Form I-129 filing fee Lower fee for small employers and nonprofits | $530 to $1,055 |
| Asylum Program fee Depends on employer size and type | $0 to $600 |
| Premium processing (optional) Speeds up the USCIS decision | $2,805 |
| Visa application (MRV) fee Only if you apply at a consulate abroad | $205 |
Processing times
| Stage | Typical time |
|---|---|
| Advisory opinion From a peer group or labor organization | 2 to 6 weeks |
| Standard processing | 2 to 4 months |
| Premium processing | 15 business days |
| Filing window | Any time of year |
Government fees come from the USCIS fee schedule and the State Department. Attorney fees are set by each independent attorney and are separate. Processing times vary by service center and change often. Figures last reviewed October 2026.
How the O-1 application works.
- 01
Gather your evidence
1 to 3 monthsCollect awards, press, letters from experts, proof of pay, and records of your work. This is usually the longest step.
- 02
Secure a petitioner
A U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or in some cases your own U.S. company files on your behalf.
- 03
Request an advisory opinion
2 to 6 weeksA peer group, labor organization, or management organization in your field reviews your background and writes a consultation letter.
- 04
The petitioner files Form I-129
The petition includes your evidence, expert letters, the advisory opinion, and an itinerary of your planned work.
- 05
USCIS decides the petition
15 days to 4 monthsUSCIS approves the petition, denies it, or issues a Request for Evidence (RFE).
- 06
Visa stamp or change of status
If you’re abroad, you attend a consular interview. If you’re in the U.S. in another status, it can change once the petition is approved.
O-1 questions.
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No. The standard is recognition in your field, not public fame. Many O-1 holders are engineers, researchers, and founders whose recognition comes from their industry.
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Often, yes. Your U.S. company can file as the petitioner, as long as there’s a real employer relationship. An agent can also file if you work with several clients.
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The O-1 is a temporary work visa. The EB-1A is a green card with a similar but higher evidence standard. Many people use the O-1 first and build toward the EB-1A.
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Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come on O-3 visas. They can study in the U.S. but can’t work on O-3 status.
Do I need to be famous to get an O-1?
Can a founder get an O-1 through their own startup?
What is the difference between the O-1 and the EB-1A?
Can my family come with me?
Other paths people explore.
See whether this visa may apply to you.
The eligibility check is free and takes about 8 minutes. You'll see the visa paths worth exploring for your situation, and you can get introduced to attorneys who handle similar matters.