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O-1A — Extraordinary Ability - Sciences/Business/Education/Athletics
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

O-1A — Extraordinary Ability - Sciences/Business/Education/Athletics

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks

Estimated Cost

USD $530–$4,620

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Employer or agent

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information Browse O-1 Jobs
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Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, business, education, or athletics. Requires meeting 3+ of 8 evidentiary criteria.

The O-1A is a US nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, business, education, or athletics. No annual cap applies and no specific degree is required — applicants must show sustained national or international acclaim by meeting at least 3 of 8 evidentiary criteria.

Initial stay is up to 3 years, with extensions in 1-year increments and no maximum total duration. Dual intent is permitted, making it a common precursor to EB-1 permanent residence. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 qualify for O-3 status but may not work.

This visa is ideal for top scientists, executives, academics, or athletes who can document sustained international acclaim and have a US employer or agent to file on their behalf.

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Cost Breakdown

Form I-129 Filing Fee (Standard)USD $1,055
Form I-129 Filing Fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit)USD $530
Asylum Program Fee (Standard)USD $600
Asylum Program Fee (Small)USD $300
Asylum Program Fee (Nonprofit)USD $0
Premium Processing Fee (Form I-907)USD $2,965
optional
TotalUSD $530–$4,620

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years
Extension increments1 year
Status typeTied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker
United States flagUnited States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sustained national or international acclaim

Evidence of extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics

Evidence of a major, internationally recognized award (e.g., Nobel Prize) or meeting at least three of the specified evidentiary criteria

Petition must be filed by a U.S. employer, agent, or foreign employer through a U.S. agent

Intention to work temporarily in the U.S. in the area of extraordinary ability

Consultation from an appropriate peer group or labor organization

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker

Evidence of extraordinary ability (awards, publications, media, etc.)

Consultation or advisory opinion from a peer group/labor organization

Copy of employment contract or summary of oral agreement

Itinerary for the period of requested stay

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No annual numerical limit or lottery
  • No maximum cumulative duration limit
  • Allows for extensions in 1-year increments as needed
  • Provides a pathway for highly talented professionals to work temporarily in the U.S.

Worth Knowing

  • Cannot self-petition; requires a U.S.-based petitioner
  • High evidentiary threshold to prove 'extraordinary ability'
  • Employment is restricted to the sponsoring employer and specified activities
  • Dependents (O-3) are not permitted to work in the U.S.

Application Process

1

Secure a U.S. petitioner

2

Prepare Form I-129 and gather evidence of extraordinary ability

3

Obtain required consultation or advisory opinion

4

File Form I-129 with the appropriate USCIS service center

5

If in the U.S., apply for change of status; if outside, attend consular interview after petition approval

6

Receive visa/status approval

Application Forms

Go to application portal
I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Fill online
I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service
Fill online

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