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O-1

O-1 Visa

For individuals with extraordinary ability, and the record to prove it.

A faster, sharper path to the visa built for top performers. Built around your achievements, executed without delay.

Find Your Pathway

What This Visa Is

For those recognized at the top of their field globally

The O-1 visa is designed for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability through sustained achievement and recognition.

Extraordinary ability, O-1 visa pathway

Eligibility

What qualifies you for an O-1

The O-1 isn't about years on a résumé. It's about recognition. USCIS looks for individuals at the top of their field who can prove it through sustained, documented achievement. We help you identify the evidence you already have and position it to its fullest.

Critical roles

Leading or essential positions at distinguished organizations.

Awards or recognition

Honors that signal standing among your peers.

High compensation

Earnings that reflect your value in the market.

Media coverage

Press and published material about you and your work.

Industry impact

Original contributions that have moved your field forward.

Who This Visa Is For

Built for those defining their fields.

Founders & Startup Leaders

Building and scaling high-impact companies globally. If you've raised capital, driven growth, or earned recognition for what you've built, the O-1 may fit your trajectory.

Creatives & Artists

Recognized for original and influential creative work. From film and music to design and the fine arts, the O-1 rewards a demonstrated record of acclaim.

Executives & Specialists

Driving measurable impact in critical roles. Senior operators whose expertise and results set them apart in their industry.

Performers & Media Professionals

Bringing work to international audiences. For talent whose performances and projects have earned recognition beyond a single market.

Understanding the O-1

What makes this visa different.

The O-1 is one of the most powerful visas in U.S. immigration, and one of the most misunderstood. It is not about years of experience or seniority. It is about documented, demonstrable recognition at the top of your field. Building a winning petition requires knowing exactly how USCIS evaluates extraordinary ability, and positioning your achievements to meet that standard precisely.

The O-1 has two distinct categories. O-1A is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics. O-1B is for individuals with extraordinary achievement in the arts, motion picture, or television industry. The evidentiary standards differ between the two, and selecting the right category, and building the right case for it, is the first critical decision of your petition.

How We Work

Speed and precision matter

A strategic, high-touch approach to O-1 petitions.

O-1 cases move fast, and the bar is high. Success comes down to how clearly your achievements are positioned and how well every detail is executed. We own the entire process, from shaping your evidence to managing the timeline, so your attorney can focus on strategy and your petition is presented at its strongest. Nothing rushed, nothing overlooked.

Step 01

Assess

We tell you where you stand and exactly what's possible, before anything changes.

Step 02

Gather

We know what's needed and walk you through it, step by step.

Step 03

Build

We craft your O-1 petition with precision.

Step 04

Review & File

Attorney-reviewed and filed in days, not weeks.

Step 05

Guide

We stay with you through approval, RFEs, and everything in between.

Prepared and filed in under a week, with precision at every step.

*Timeline begins upon receipt of all attorney-requested documents and supporting evidence.

Investment

O-1 case management typically ranges

$8,000 - $15,000 USD

flat fee

See full pricing & engagement options

What’s included

  • Attorney-led strategy and final sign-off
  • Attorney pairing based on your background and goals
  • 60-minute strategy consultation with your attorney and Novarra team member
  • Full petition drafting, including reference letters and evidence organization
  • Dedicated Novarra team member throughout your case
  • Access to the Novarra platform for real-time case visibility
  • Target filing within 7 business days of receiving all required evidence
  • Post-filing support and proactive status updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions, answered.

Is the O-1 visa a path to a green card?
While it is a nonimmigrant visa, many individuals later transition to EB-1A or NIW based on similar qualifications.
Can I apply for an O-1 visa from outside the U.S.?
Yes. O-1 petitions can be filed while you are abroad and processed through a U.S. consulate once approved.
How long is an O-1 visa valid for?
An O-1 visa may initially be approved for up to three years, depending on the nature and duration of the qualifying work or project. Extensions may also be available in one-year increments for individuals continuing work within the same area of extraordinary ability.
Can startup founders qualify for an O-1 visa?
Yes. Founders can qualify if they demonstrate extraordinary ability through traction, recognition, press, funding, or measurable impact in their field.
How long does USCIS take to adjudicate an O-1 petition?
Processing times for O-1 petitions may vary depending on USCIS workload and case complexity. Premium processing is available for O-1 petitions, requiring USCIS to take action within 15 business days of receiving the premium processing request.
Can family members accompany O-1 visa holders?
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany O-1 visa holders under O-3 dependent status. While O-3 dependents may study in the United States, they are not authorized to work under O-3 status.