O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
USCIS fee schedule G-1055 (edition 10/07/26): Form I-129 for O petitions USD 1,055 paper or USD 1,005 online (small employer or nonprofit USD 530), plus other fees that may apply. State Department: visa application fee USD 205. USCIS: the employer should file at least 45 days before the date of employment; stay up to three years. New USCIS fees take effect October 16, 2026.≈ $1,055
USCIS processing-times tool, Form I-129 at Service Center Operations, 80% of cases are completed within: H-1B 11 months (visa to be issued abroad), 10 months (change of status), 11.5 months (extension); L intracompany 6.5 months; O extraordinary ability 14.5 months. After approval, State Department wait times (updated 17 Sep 2026) for the visa interview in the petition-based group (H, L, O, P, Q): New Delhi 3 months, Mumbai 1.5 months (appointment wait only).
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(1)Extraordinary Ability Demonstration
MandatoryUse the actual O-1 branch: O-1A requires sustained acclaim and expertise at the very top of science, education, business or athletics; arts requires distinction; film/television requires extraordinary achievement.
Verified official
Qualification
(2)Consultation Requirement
ConditionalProvide the applicable O-1 written consultation unless an established regulatory exception or waiver applies. Film/television normally requires both labor and management consultation; document any exception, including absence of an appropriate peer group or a qualifying arts readmission waiver.
Verified officialField of Expertise
MandatoryThe applicant must be coming to the United States to continue work in the specific area of their extraordinary ability.
Verified official
Preparation
(1)Evidentiary Criteria
DocumentMandatoryO-1 evidence depends on the branch: O-1A uses a major internationally recognized award or at least 3 of 8 criteria; arts and film/television have their own award or 3-of-6 criteria. Comparable evidence is allowed only where the applicable rule permits it; meeting a count alone does not establish eligibility.
Verified official
Application
(1)Distinction in the Arts
ConditionalFor those in the arts, extraordinary ability means 'distinction,' evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above the ordinary.
Verified official
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Source citations
8 CFR 214.2 — Nonimmigrant classification requirements
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (DHS)
Current regulatory text reviewed2026-10-13: H-1B specialty occupation, certified LCA and equivalency; L-1 individual/blanket procedures and qualifying organizations; O-1 differentiated evidence and consultations. Shared with E-2/F-1 reviews; no fee or current-selection claim.
Official links
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