United States

O-1 Visa (Extraordinary Ability)

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or with extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. It requires demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim through extensive documentation of achievements.

• Evidence of extraordinary ability: Must meet at least 3 of the following criteria:
• • Receipt of nationally/internationally recognized awards
• • Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement
• • Published material about you in professional/major publications
• • Judging the work of others in your field
• • Original contributions of major significance
• • Authorship of scholarly articles
• • Employment in a critical/essential capacity for distinguished organizations
• • High salary or remuneration compared to others in field
• US employer or agent sponsor required
• Advisory opinion from peer group or labor organization (in most cases)

• Must have a US sponsor (employer or agent)
• Can only work for the sponsoring employer/clients
• Must maintain extraordinary ability status
• Changing employers requires new petition

Processing time: 2-6 months

Fee: $460 base filing fee + $2,805 premium processing (optional) + legal fees

Premium processing available (15 business days) for additional fee. Regular processing varies by USCIS workload

Links

• https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement

Other Digital Nomad Visas in North America