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O-1 Visa Lawyers for Extraordinary Talent

Get your O-1 visa petition filed by expert immigration attorneys. Petitions ready in as little as 48 hours.
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Overview

What is the O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is a U.S. work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. Unlike the H-1B, the O-1 visa has no annual cap and no lottery—meaning you can apply any time of year and won't be subject to random selection.
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The O-1 is often called the "genius visa" or "extraordinary ability visa," but you don't need to be a Nobel laureate to qualify. The O-1 visa is available to founders, engineers, scientists, researchers, artists, athletes, and business leaders who can demonstrate sustained recognition in their field.

The O-1 visa is valid for an initial period of up to 3 years, with unlimited extensions available as long as you continue working in your area of extraordinary ability. Your spouse and children under 21 can accompany you on O-3 dependent visas.

Comparison

O-1A vs. O-1B

There are two types of O-1 visas

O-1A

Sciences, Business, Education & Athletics

For individuals with extraordinary ability in technical, scientific, or business fields.

Examples: Tech founders, engineers, scientists, executives, researchers, athletes

O-1B

Arts, Motion Pictures & Television

For individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in creative fields.For individuals with extraordinary ability in technical, scientific, or business fields.

Examples: Artists, musicians, actors, directors, producers, designers, chefs
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Benefits

O-1 Visa Benefits

LegalOS uses technology and legal guidance to help accelerate you U.S. business expansion

No Annual Cap

O-1 visas are available year-round, meaning you can apply whenever the need arises without worrying about quotas.

Faster Processing Times

Expedite your O-1 visa application with premium processing, allowing your extraordinary employees to join your U.S. operations faster.

Flexible Renewal

The O-1 visa can be extended indefinitely as long as the individual remains in their extraordinary capacity with the sponsoring employer.
What We Do

O-1s made simple with LegalOS

Preparing and filing your O-1 visa application
Ensuring that all necessary documents are complete and accurate
Coordinating with you & your team to gather all necessary information
Offering ongoing support and assistance throughout the process
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Our Advantage

Why choose LegalOS?

Our expert immigration attorneys use our proprietary software to create high-quality visa applications with unparalleled efficiency.

RFE Protection

Each O-1 you do comes with RFE protection so if you get a Request for Evidence (RFE), we'll take care of it.
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Visa Approval

We have a long track record of visa success. We know exactly what works, and what doesn't.
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Expert Legal Advice

You can take care of your O-1 applications with help from the best lawyers in the industry.
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Our Attorneys

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You have changed the course of my life and I am thankful for your help."
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Bellevue, Washington
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O-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

A list of frequently asked questions to help you understand more about the O-1 Visa
What is an O-1 visa?
The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. The O-1A is for people in sciences, business, education, or athletics. The O-1B is for people in the arts, motion picture, or television industries.
What are the O-1 visa requirements?
You must demonstrate extraordinary ability through either a major international award (like a Nobel Prize) OR by meeting at least 3 of 8 criteria for O-1A or 3 of 6 criteria for O-1B. Criteria include awards, published material about you, original contributions, high salary, and more.
How hard is it to get an O-1 visa?
The O-1 is achievable for many accomplished professionals—you don't need to be world-famous. If you have a track record of achievements like awards, publications, patents, media coverage, or leadership roles at notable organizations, you may qualify.

Our O-1A eligibility checker can give you a preliminary assessment in 2 minutes.
How long does O-1 visa processing take?
Regular processing takes 2-4 months.

Premium processing guarantees a decision within 15 business days for an additional $2,805 fee.
What are the O-1 visa USCIS filing fees?
The base filing fee is $530.
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Premium processing adds $2,805.

Total government fees range from $530 (regular) to $3,335 (premium).
Is the O-1 visa dual intent?
Yes. You can apply for a green card while on O-1 status without jeopardizing your visa.
How long is an O-1 visa valid?
The initial O-1 visa is granted for up to 3 years. Extensions are available in 1-year increments with no maximum limit, as long as you continue working in your area of extraordinary ability.
Can O-1 visa holders apply for green cards?
Yes. Common paths include EB-1A (extraordinary ability), EB-1B (outstanding researcher), EB-2 NIW (national interest waiver), and EB-2/EB-3 through PERM labor certification.
Is there an annual cap on O-1 visas?
No. Unlike the H-1B, the O-1 visa has no annual cap and no lottery. You can apply any time of year.
Can I change jobs on an O-1 visa?
Yes. Your new employer must file a new O-1 petition before you can start working for them.
Once approved (or filed, in some cases), you can begin the new role.
Can I get a green card on an O-1 visa?
Yes. The O-1 is a dual intent visa, so you can pursue permanent residence while on O-1 status. Many O-1 holders transition to EB-1A, EB-2 NIW, or other employment-based green cards.
What is the O-1 visa to green card timeline?
The timeline varies by green card category. EB-1A (self-petition) typically takes 1-2 years. EB-2/EB-3 through PERM can take 3-5+ years depending on your country of birth.
Can my spouse and children come with me on an O-1 visa?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for O-3 dependent visas. O-3 holders can study in the U.S. but cannot work.
What's the difference between O-1 and H-1B?
The O-1 has no cap and no lottery, but requires evidence of extraordinary ability.

The H-1B is capped at 85,000/year with random selection, but only requires a specialty occupation and relevant degree.
Does the O-1 visa require employer sponsorship?
Yes. An O-1 petition must be filed by a U.S. employer or agent on your behalf. However, if you're a founder, your own company can sponsor you.
What is an O-1A visa vs O-1B visa?
The O-1A is for extraordinary ability in sciences, business, education, or athletics.

The O-1B is for extraordinary ability or achievement in arts, motion picture, or television. Each has different evidentiary criteria.
Does an O-1 visa cancel my B-1/B-2 visa?
Not automatically. However, your B-1/B-2 status would end when you change to O-1 status. The visa stamp in your passport may still be valid for future entries in B status if you leave the U.S.
How do I apply for an O-1 visa?
Your U.S. employer files Form I-129 with USCIS, along with supporting evidence demonstrating your extraordinary ability. Once approved, you can apply for the O-1 visa stamp at a U.S. consulate (if abroad) or change status (if already in the U.S.).

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