O-1A
Who is eligible for the O-1A visa?
People with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, art, athletics, or business.
Sponsorship
Required
Validity
3 years
Renewable
1 year increments
Processing
2-4 months
Premium processing
15 business days
Can spouse work
No
Required
- Prove sustained extraordinary achievement in your field with at least 3 of 8 types of required evidence, such as receiving prestigious awards, getting coverage in the media or professional publications, earning a high remuneration relative to your peers, or having a critical or relevant role in a distinguished organization or project.
- Continue working in your area of extraordinary ability in the U.S.
Pros
- Flexible sponsorship options are available, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers and change employers easily.
- Good option for new/small employers.
- A good step to start building an EB-1A extraordinary ability green card.
Cons
- Requires a higher level of individual experience and credentials in your field compared to other visa categories.
- Employment is limited to the specific area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
Curious if you qualify for a US visa?
The O-1A visa could be your pathway to new opportunities in the US if you’re at the top of your field.
Discover your eligibility for an O-1A visa
Free, personalized O-1A visa assessment
The O-1A visa is designed for people like you—those who stand out and excel in their fields.
Our quick O-1A visa assessment only takes a few minutes and could be your first step towards unlocking the opportunities the US has to offer!
Did you know?
To qualify for an O-1A, you’ll need to demonstrate that you have reached a high level of expertise in your field, evidenced by sustained national or international acclaim.
To be eligible for the O-1A visa you’ll need to meet three of eight criteria, which include winning major awards, holding a critical role at distinguished organizations, producing scholarly articles, receiving a high salary, or other notable achievements. You’ll find out if you qualify in a matter of minutes by completing the assessment above.
The application process for the O-1A visa begins with a US employer or agent filing a petition for you as a nonimmigrant worker, on behalf of the applicant with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the petition, extensive documentation must be provided to prove eligibility, including expert letters and evidence of the applicant’s achievements. One or more consultation letters from a peer group or recognized expert in the applicant’s field are often required, and Tukki supports you through this in order to make the letters effective.
Then, USCIS evaluates the evidence to determine whether you meet the O-1A standards. The visa is initially granted for up to three years, with extensions possible. An O-1A visa holder may also bring their spouse and children to the US on O-3 visas.
Does this sound like a good route to US immigration for you?
Complete the personalized assessment and then schedule a free consultation!
Know others visas
EB-1A
EB-2 NIW