Work / Immigration visa · Solomon Islands to United States of America

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

• 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

• Passport

  Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

• Photo

  Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches, color, white background, taken within 6 months.

• 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/

• Curriculum vitae

  Provide a current CV showing education, work history and relevant qualifications.

• Petition approval notice

  Form number: Form I-129 filed by employer/agent; Must be original: No

• Reference letter

  Accepted referees: Peer group, labor organization, or experts in field providing advisory opinion/consultation letter; Letters required: 1

• 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

1. 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.

2. Fee payment

   Employer/agent files Form I-129 with USCIS: $460 filing fee + optional $2,965 premium processing (as of March 1, 2026).

3. Processing wait

   USCIS processing. Regular ~7 months. Premium 15 days.

4. Online application

   After I-129 approval, complete DS-160.

5. Interview

   Attend interview with I-129 approval, portfolio of evidence, consultation letter.

6. Visa collection

   Collect passport with visa.

This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.