How do I prove extraordinary ability for an O-1 visa?

Applicants must provide strong evidence of their accomplishments. This can include major awards, critical reviews, publications, high-profile performances or exhibitions, original contributions of major significance, or serving in distinguished roles. Letters from experts in the field are also commonly used to support the case. USCIS looks for proof of sustained recognition and national or international impact.

How long does the O-1 visa process take?

The O-1 petition typically takes two to three months under standard processing, though timelines vary. With Premium Processing, USCIS guarantees a decision within 15 calendar days. After approval, applicants outside the U.S. must also complete visa stamping at a U.S. consulate before being able to relocate to the U.S.

Can an employer sponsor me for an O-1 visa?

Yes. An O-1 visa requires a U.S. employer, agent, or manager to act as the petitioner. The sponsor must provide a detailed description of the work to be performed and the duration of employment.

What are the costs of applying for an O-1 visa?

O-1 applications will typically include a combination of Legal fees (paid to the law firm that assists with creating the petition), government filing fees (paid upon filing of the petition) and consular visa appointment fees (paid when booking a visa appointment at a U.S. consulate) if the employee is applying from outside the U.S.

U.S. Work Visa

O-1 Visa

How We Help

For extraordinary talent, the O-1 is your fast track. We highlight achievements and build airtight petitions that secure approvals.

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What is the O-1 visa?

For extraordinary individuals

The O-1 is a work visa that allows U.S. employers to hire individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

We help top global talent present highly compelling cases that get approved fast.

VISA DURATION

3-Year Initial Term

An initial 3-year term, with unlimited 1-year renewals. No maximum stay.

FAMILY VISAS

O-3 Dependent Visa

Spouses and children may obtain O-3 visas, though work authorization is not possible.

PORTABILITY

Transfer Ready

A new employer must file a new O-1 petition with USCIS. Work for the new employer may not begin until the petition is approved.

INTENT

Non-Immigrant Intent

O-1 holders are not required to maintain a foreign residence and may pursue a green card while in O-1 status.

O-1 Eligibility

Meet at least 3 of 8 regulatory criteria demonstrating extraordinary ability (awards, memberships, publications, judging, original contributions, scholarly articles, critical role, or high salary).

Awards

Memberships

Published Materials

Judging

Original Contributions

Scholarly Articles

Critical or Essential Role

High Salary

O-1 Pricing

Trusted by

Ellis Processing

6 Weeks

Ellis Legal Fee

$12,000

Fees Include

Case Strategy Consult
Expert Reference Letter Writing
Overnight Shipping (Petition and Notice)
Consulate Interview Practice (Former Consulate Officer)
All USCIS Responses (RFE & NOID)

Time to File

Time: 6 Weeks

o1 Timeline

Case Strategy & Evidence Gathering

Evidence

14 days

Reference Letters Drafting

Letters

14 days

Petition Preparation

Petition Prep

10 days

Final Review

4 days

Case Strategy & Evidence Gathering

Identify strongest criteria and collect supporting evidence.

14 days

Reference Letters Drafting

Draft and secure recommendation letters from industry leaders and experts in the field.

14 days

Petition Preparation

Draft the legal brief, complete USCIS forms, compile supporting documents and organize exhibits.

10 days

Final Review

Attorney performs final accuracy and compliance checks before filing with USCIS.

4 days

Identify strongest criteria and collect supporting evidence.

14 days

Why choose Ellis?

Approach

O-1 petitions succeed when they are well strategized and evidence is presented persuasively. Ellis’ attorneys understand how best to highlight your accomplishments, supported by tools that streamline petition preparation and keep your case moving quickly.

Dedicated Attorney
AI-driven accuracy
Live Dashboard
Empathetic Comms

Legacy Firms

High Paralegal Ratios
Manual Tracking
Opaque Pricing
Slow Replies

Dedicated Attorney
AI-driven accuracy
Live Dashboard
Empathetic Comms

Legacy Firms

High Paralegal Ratios
Manual Tracking
Opaque Pricing
Slow Replies

O-1 Visa FAQ

Still have questions about the O-1 Visa process? Our immigration experts are here to help.

The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or the motion picture and television industry. Applicants must show they are among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field and that they are coming to the U.S. to work in their area of expertise.

Testimonials

010203

Ellis sets the standard for how immigration programs should be run. They're responsive, precise, and built around the employee experience, so our people feel taken care of at every step. Above all, they get the outcomes our people need.

DIANE YOON|Former VP of People at OpenAI

Testimonials

“

TESTIMONIAL

Ellis sets the standard for how immigration programs should be run. They're responsive, precise, and built around the employee experience, so our people feel taken care of at every step. Above all, they get the outcomes our people need.

DIANE YOON

Former VP of People at OpenAI

“

TESTIMONIAL

Ellis is an exceptional immigration partner, delivering fast and knowledgeable service. Their platform makes the process easier than anything I've experienced in over a decade and a half of hiring international candidates to tech companies.

SEAN MCDERMOTT

Chief People Officer, Adaptive Security

“

TESTIMONIAL

Ellis turned immigration into a competitive advantage for us. Being able to say "we've got your visa covered" helped us close top candidates we otherwise might have lost.

Filip Kozera

FOUNDER & CEO, WORDWARE

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