O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Embassy required
- Maximum stay
- 1095 days
- Processing time
- Regular: ~7 months; Premium: 15 days
- Fee
- $3,965+ USD
- Validity
- Initial up to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments indefinitely
- Entry
- Multiple entry
Eligibility
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Employment
Must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or arts, motion pictures/television (O-1B). Must have job offer to work temporarily in area of extraordinary ability.
Required status: Extraordinary ability with sustained acclaim
Documents you need
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Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
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Photo
Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months.
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Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.
Form name: DS-160 (after I-129 approval); Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
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Curriculum vitae
Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.
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Petition approval notice
Form number: Form I-129 filed by employer/agent; Must be original: No
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Reference letter
Accepted referees: Peer group, labor organization, or experts in field providing advisory opinion/consultation letter; Letters required: 1
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Press credentials
Provide a press card, assignment letter or accreditation from the media organisation you represent.
Accreditation type: Published materials about you in major media or trade publications showing national/international recognition
How to apply
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Document gathering
Gather evidence of extraordinary ability: awards, publications about you, high salary, original contributions, membership in elite associations, critical role in distinguished organizations. Obtain consultation letter from peer group.
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Fee payment
Employer/agent files Form I-129 with USCIS: $460 filing fee + optional $2,965 premium processing (as of March 1, 2026).
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Processing wait
USCIS processing. Regular ~7 months. Premium 15 days.
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Online application
After I-129 approval, complete DS-160.
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Interview
Attend interview with I-129 approval, portfolio of evidence, consultation letter.
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Visa collection
Collect passport with visa.