VISAS / O-1
O-1: the visa for people at the top of their field
A temporary work visa for people with recognition in their field. No specific degree and no lottery.
- Type
- Temporary (nonimmigrant)
- Petitioner
- US employer or agent
- Initial stay
- Up to 3 years, 1-year extensions
- Family
- Spouse and children as O-3
- Green card
- Not direct; a common path to EB-1A
OFFICIAL CRITERIA
What the government reviews.
O-1A (sciences, education, business, athletics): a major international award, or evidence in at least 3 of these criteria. O-1B (arts, film and TV) has its own distinction criteria.
- 01National or international awards for excellence in the field
- 02Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
- 03Published material about you and your work
- 04Judging the work of others
- 05Original contributions of major significance
- 06Authorship of scholarly or professional articles
- 07Critical or essential role for distinguished organizations
- 08High compensation relative to the field
Source: USCIS, O-1 visa: individuals with extraordinary ability. Informational summary. The attorney reviews your case before any recommendation.
TOOL
Tick what you already have.
Bring the result to the first call. It helps us understand your case faster.
Tick the criteria for which you already have some material (document, article, award, letter).
0 of 8 items with material
The map only organizes what you already have. The attorney assesses whether it is enough during the case review.
STEP BY STEP
How it works, in 6 steps
You know what happens at each step and who it depends on. We track government timelines for you.
- 01
First call
20 min, free, by video
Tell us what you want to do in the US and we walk you through the possible paths. It is not legal advice yet: it is how we get to know you and your goal.
- 02
Case review
After the first call
A US-licensed immigration attorney from our partner firm reviews your background and points to the visa that makes the most sense for you.
- 03
Proposal
In writing, before we start
You get the recommended visa, the scope, the timeline and the price. We only start once you approve.
- 04
Documents
At your pace, with our support
We send a list built for your case and follow up item by item until everything is in.
- 05
Preparing and filing
Up to 15 business days after documents are complete
We organize the evidence, translations and letters. The attorney reviews, signs and files your petition with the US government.
- 06
Government decision
US government timelines
The decision belongs to the US government and no one can guarantee it. We track every step and keep you posted.
WHAT IT COSTS
One price for our work. government fees separate.
The US legal work is set out too. Everything in writing in your proposal, before we start.
Our work and the US legal step
Price in your proposal
Included
- Case review by a US-licensed attorney
- Strategy, petition and forms
- Evidence organized by criterion
- Recommendation letters and translations coordinated
- Follow-up until the government decides
Not included
- US government fees, paid directly to the government
- Medical exam and consular costs, when required
- Travel for interviews
Fixed price, up to 3 interest-free payments. No percentage and no success fee. Prices under review. We will publish them once our formal benchmark is complete.
US government fees
Paid directly to the government. Official reference amounts:
Sources: eCFR 8 CFR 106.2, Federal Register 2026-00321, U.S. Department of State. Updated September 2026. Confirm on Form G-1055 before filing.
FACTUAL COMPARISON
Side by side.
The main differences, so you arrive at the call with an idea. The attorney recommends the right visa after reviewing your case.
| Visa | Type | Petitioner | Statutory minimum investment | Family | Green card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O-1 | Temporary | Employer or agent | None | O-3, no work | Not direct |
| EB-1A | Green card | You | None | Derivatives | Yes |
| EB-2 NIW | Green card | You | None | Derivatives | Yes |
| L-1A | Temporary | US company | None | L-2, may work | Via EB-1C |
| E-2 | Temporary | You and the company | Substantial, no fixed amount | E-2, may work | Not direct |
| EB-5 | Green card | You (investor) | US$800k or 1.05m | Derivatives | Yes, conditional |
FAQ
Common questions
Yes, someone in the US must file: an employer or an agent. During the case review, the attorney sets the right structure for you.
SEE ALSO
MANUCCI USA IMMIGRATION
Shall we find your path?
Takes 2 minutes. The first call is free, by video.