O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
United States USA
Last verified 2025-01-01Official source
The O-1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have demonstrated a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. Applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim through awards, publications, high salary, or other evidence of distinction in their field. The visa is typically granted for up to three years with unlimited one-year extensions, and a US employer or agent must petition on the applicant's behalf.
Program Details
- Category
- Skilled Worker
- Processing Time
- 2 months
- Application Fee
- $460
- Minimum Income
- N/A
- Minimum Investment
- N/A
- Family Included
- No
- Path to PR
- No
- Path to Citizenship
- No
- Physical Presence
- Must maintain valid status and continue working in the field of extraordinary ability
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Tax Impact
- O-1 holders who meet the Substantial Presence Test are taxed as US residents on worldwide income
Key Requirements
- ✓Evidence of extraordinary ability or achievement in the relevant field
- ✓Receipt of a major internationally recognized award (e.g., Nobel Prize), or at least three of eight qualifying criteria
- ✓US employer, agent, or foreign employer through a US agent must file Form I-129
- ✓Advisory opinion or peer group consultation letter required
- ✓Proof of sustained national or international acclaim
- ✓Valid job offer or itinerary of events in the US
extraordinary-abilitytalentartsscienceathleticsnon-immigrant