O-1 Visa

In plain words

O-1 is a US visa for people of extraordinary ability in science, the arts, education, sport or business. It is a route for those who have achieved recognition in their field: scientists, entrepreneurs, athletes, artists. Unlike investor visas, the “capital” here is your achievements and reputation, not money invested.

To obtain an O-1 you need to evidence an outstanding level: significant awards, publications, membership of prestigious associations, media coverage, high remuneration, an expert role, a contribution to the field. It is enough to meet several of the set criteria and assemble a persuasive file proving that you are among the best in your field.

The value of the O-1 is that it opens the way to living and working in the US for talented people without large investments, and then to a green card in the related EB-1A category (“extraordinary ability”). The key to success is a well-packaged file of achievements in which your merits are presented the way the immigration service expects. That is exactly where we help.

Who O-1 suits

What matters about O-1

How to obtain an O-1

1. 01Assessing achievements against the criteria
2. 02Assembling the file and recommendations
3. 03Filing the petition
4. 04Review
5. 05The visa and the path to a green card

What you need to know

• O-1 is a visa for people of extraordinary ability
• For science, the arts, sport and business
• The “capital” here is achievements, not money
• You need to meet several criteria
• It leads to a green card in the EB-1A category

Common mistakes

• ✕Underestimating your achievements and not applying at all
• ✕Assembling a file without structuring it to the criteria
• ✕Not obtaining strong recommendation letters
• ✕Assuming O-1 is only for “world stars”
• ✕Not planning the move to an EB-1A green card

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