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

United 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

15 days

Application Fee

5,450 USD

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Employer or Agent

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

Available

Remote Work

Not Required

Apply Now Official Information Browse O-1 Jobs

Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

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.

Fee Breakdown

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

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	3 years
Extension increments	1 year
Status type	Tied to program duration

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EB-1 — Employment First Preference — Priority Worker

United States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference — Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite

Processing1-3 years

View Visa Details

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Employer or Agent

Education

none or higher

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

Secure a U.S. petitioner

Prepare Form I-129 and gather evidence of extraordinary ability

Obtain required consultation or advisory opinion

File Form I-129 with the appropriate USCIS service center

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

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

Verified Claims (25)

Last verified May 30, 2026

Application Steps	Secure a U.S. petitioner; Prepare Form I-129 and gather evidence of extraordinary ability; Obtain re…	uscis.gov
Dependent Visa	O-3	uscis.gov
Dual Intent	true	uscis.gov
Fee Breakdown	Form I-129 Filing Fee (Standard): 1055 USD; Form I-129 Filing Fee (Small Employer/Nonprofit): 530 US…	uscis.gov
Fees	USD $1,055 base filing fee ($530 for small employers/nonprofits) + Asylum Program Fee ($600 standard…	uscis.gov
Forms	I-129; I-907	uscis.gov
Forms · I-129 · description	Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker	uscis.gov
Forms · I-907 · description	Request for Premium Processing Service	uscis.gov

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Overview

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

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.

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY 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

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Employer or Agent

Education

none or higher

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