United States O-1 extraordinary ability visa

People with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television, who will continue working in that area.

• Qualify through your work

  Show extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television, and seek to continue work in that area in the United States.

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• Have a petitioner

  A U.S. employer or U.S. agent must file the O-1 petition; a foreign employer may use a U.S. agent.

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• Document the work agreement

  The petition must include a copy of any written contract between the employer and beneficiary, or a summary of the terms of their oral agreement.

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• Describe the planned work

  The petition must explain the nature of the events or activities, their beginning and ending dates, and include a copy of any itinerary for them.

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• Obtain a consultation

  The petition generally requires a written consultation from an appropriate peer group, labour organisation or management organisation; motion-picture or television petitions require separate consultations from the relevant labour and management organisations. The instructions describe exceptions for certain cases.

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• Get petition approval

  USCIS must approve Form I-129 before the applicant can apply for a temporary worker visa.

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• Have a valid passport

  The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the period of stay in the United States, unless an exemption applies under a country-specific agreement.

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• Prove O-1A achievementsSometimes needed

  For sciences, education, business or athletics, provide evidence of a major internationally recognised award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence meeting at least three of the eight listed criteria.

  Last checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource

• Prove O-1B achievementsSometimes needed

  For arts or motion pictures and television, provide evidence of receipt of or nomination for significant national or international awards or prizes in the field, or evidence meeting at least three of the six listed criteria.

  Last checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource

• Form I-129 O petition filing fee, regular petitionerLast checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource$1,055 once
• Form I-129 O petition filing fee, small employer or non-profit petitionerLast checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource$530 once
• Additional Asylum Program Fee, regular petitionerLast checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource$600 once
• Additional Asylum Program Fee, small employer petitionerLast checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource$300 once
• O visa application processing feeLast checked 5 days ago · recheckingSource$205 per person

1. Get ready

   • Check which O-1 category fits

     Identify whether your work falls under extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television.

   • Gather evidence of your achievements

     Prepare evidence meeting the award or alternative evidentiary criteria for your O-1 category.

     You’ll need: Evidence of awards or achievements

   • Arrange a petitioner and planned work

     Have a qualifying employer or agent document the work agreement, activities and dates for the petition.

     You’ll need: Written contract or summary of an oral agreement, Explanation of activities and dates, Any itinerary

   • Obtain the required consultation

     Arrange the written advisory opinion or opinions applicable to your work, unless an exception described in the petition instructions applies.

     You’ll need: Written consultation, if required

2. Apply

   • Have your petitioner file Form I-129

     The petitioner must submit the petition and supporting evidence to USCIS and obtain approval before you apply for the visa.

     You’ll need: Form I-129, Supporting evidence

3. Visa

   • Complete the visa application

     After petition approval, complete Form DS-160, upload a photograph and print the confirmation page.

     You’ll need: Form DS-160 confirmation page, Photograph

   • Schedule your visa interview

     Use the approved petition's receipt number to arrange an interview and follow the instructions for the embassy or consulate where you apply.

     You’ll need: Petition receipt number

   • Attend your interview

     Bring the required documents and establish your eligibility; the consular officer will decide whether you qualify for the visa.

     You’ll need: Passport, Form DS-160 confirmation page, Fee receipt if required, Petition receipt number, Printed photograph if the upload failed

4. Travel

   • Travel after receiving your visa

     Do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have the visa, because petition approval does not guarantee visa issuance.

     You’ll need: Passport with visa

Temporary work in the United States under an approved petition; the official temporary-worker guidance does not describe this visa as a route to permanent residence.

• travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resource…Official
• Fee Scheduleuscis.govOfficial
• Form I-129, Instructions for Petition for a Nonimmigrant Workeruscis.govOfficial
• Nonimmigrant_Empluscis.govOfficial
• I129O-002-INSuscis.govOfficial
• Fees for Visa Servicestravel.state.govOfficial
• Temporary Worker Visastravel.state.govOfficial

Japper is an AI immigration assistant. It gives general information from official sources, not legal advice, and it can be wrong. For your own case, ask a licensed advisor.