The O-1 visa is for individuals who have risen to the top of their field and can prove it. There is no annual cap and no lottery, making it an important alternative for professionals who were not selected for an H-1B, and for founders, researchers, artists and athletes whose careers do not fit neatly into other categories.
Two categories
- O-1A for extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics.
- O-1B for extraordinary ability in the arts, or extraordinary achievement in motion pictures and television.
What you need to show
Applicants must either have received a major, internationally recognized award, or meet at least three of the regulatory criteria. For O-1A, these include:
- Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement
- Published material about you in major media or professional publications
- Serving as a judge of others’ work, such as a peer reviewer or competition judge
- Original contributions of major significance to your field
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Employment in a critical or essential role for distinguished organizations
- High salary or remuneration compared with others in the field
How we help
The strength of an O-1 case lies in how the evidence is selected and presented. We start with a candid assessment of your record, identify the strongest criteria, and help you gather recommendation letters, press coverage and other proof. We obtain the required advisory opinion from a peer group or labor organization, and prepare a petition through a U.S. employer or agent.
O-1 status is granted for up to three years and can be extended in one-year increments. The same evidence often lays the groundwork for a future EB-1 or National Interest Waiver green card, and we plan with that path in mind.