The O-1 is a work visa for people with sustained national or international acclaim in science, business, education, athletics or the arts. There is no annual cap or lottery.
Who this is for
- Founders and senior engineers with recognized achievements
- Researchers with strong publication and citation records
- Artists and creative professionals (O-1B)
What to know
- O-1A applicants generally show at least three of eight evidentiary criteria, such as awards, press, judging, original contributions or high salary.
- A U.S. employer or agent files, and an advisory opinion from a peer group is usually required.
- Initial approval can be for up to three years, with one-year extensions.
Forms usually involved
| Form | Purpose |
|---|---|
| I-129 | Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker |
| I-907 | Premium Processing |
General information, not legal advice. Requirements and processing change; we confirm current rules for your case.