O-1 | Exceptional Ability Visa

O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields such as science, arts, education, business, athletics, or in the television and motion picture industries. It is intended for those who have demonstrated exceptional achievements and gained international or national recognition. The visa also extends to essential personnel supporting these individuals in their professional endeavors.

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Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the O-1 visa must demonstrate recognized extraordinary achievements in science, arts, education, business, athletics, television, or film. The O-1 visa is divided into two subcategories based on the applicant’s field and accomplishments:

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• O-1A: For professionals in science, education, business, or athletics. Applicants must prove their achievements are at the top level globally and demonstrate exceptional expertise and international recognition.

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• O-1B: For professionals in the arts and entertainment industries. Applicants must show significant influence and unique creativity in their field, with works or contributions widely recognized within the industry.

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Both categories require extensive supporting documentation to establish the applicant’s exceptional status and industry recognition, ensuring they meet the high standards of the O-1 visa application.

 

Required Documentation

Beneficiary (Applicant)​

• Personal documents and information (passport, visa, I-20 (if applicable), I-94, resume, EAD card, SSN).

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Petitioner: The petitioner can be an individual or a company.​

• If the petitioner is an individual

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or green card holder.

  • Provide a scanned copy of their U.S. passport or green card.

  • Include name, phone number, address, and email.

• If the petitioner is a company

  • Provide the company’s type, name, address, phone number, and email.

  • Include the company’s tax ID, date of establishment, number of employees, annual revenue, and net income.

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Employer:

• Basic information about the employer.

• Employment offer letter.

• Employer’s address, phone number, and email.

 

Evidence of Achievements

O-1A (Science, Education, Business, Athletics

Applicants must meet at least 3 of the following 8 criteria:

1. Nationally or internationally recognized awards in their field of practice.

2. Membership in professional associations at the national level.

3. Coverage of the applicant and the results of his or her work in the professional or major media, which should include the title of the article, date author, and any necessary translations.

4. Participation or solo service as a jury member in the same or a related field of specialization.

5. Original scientific, scholarly or commercially relevant contributions of major significance in the field of endeavor.

6. Publication of scholarly articles in professional publications.

7. Holding a key or leadership position in an organization or institution with an outstanding reputation.

8. Receive a salary above the industry average.

Special Cases: Applicants who have received any of the following prestigious awards automatically qualify for O-1A:

• Nobel Prize

• Fields Medal

• Olympic Gold Medal

• Pulitzer Prize

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O-1B (Arts and Entertainment)

Applicants must meet at least 3 of the following 6 criteria:

1. Proof of participation in prestigious events such as advertisements, conferences, etc., as a lead artist;

2. Significant reviews of the applicant's work in prestigious articles, journals, magazines, or other publications that internationally recognize the applicant's achievements; 

3. Leading, starring, or pivotal role in prestigious organizations and institutions; .

4. Acclaim at major business events; 

5. Recognition by professional organizations, eminent experts or critics, and government agencies; .

6. Receive a salary above the industry average.

Special Cases: Applicants who have received any of the following international awards automatically qualify for O-1B:

• Academy Award (Oscar)

• Emmy Award

• Grammy Award

• Tony Award

• Palme d’Or (Cannes Film Festival)

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Application Fee

Government fees​

• Base Application Fee (I-129): $460

• Premium Processing Fee (optional): $2805

• Additional Fees:

  • Non-profit organizations: No additional fees

  • Individual or small company sponsorship (≤25 employees): $300

  • Large company sponsorship (>25 employees): $600

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Note: All USCIS fees are updated as of November 20, 2024. Applicants must pay according to the latest fee schedule.

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Processing Timeline

• Standard processing: 6-8 months.

• Premium processing (optional): Results within 15 business days for eligible cases.​