O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Who it's for: People with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, or with a record of extraordinary achievement in film or television.
Information, not immigration advice. This page summarises what the government publishes. Confirm every figure on the official page before you pay or apply.
Last checked 4 Nov 2026
Requirements at a glance
- Job offer needed: Yes
- Minimum education: No minimum
- Family can join: Yes
What the official pages say
3 points recorded from official pages. Open a point to see the official wording.
Job offer neededYesOfficial wording
“A U.S. employer, U.S. agent, or foreign employer through a U.S. agent should file (see Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker ) on your behalf, along with the required evidence according to the form instructions.”
Minimum educationNo minimumOfficial wording
“To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim, or a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industry, and must be coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in the area of extraordinary ability.”
Family can joinYesOfficial wording
“O-3: Individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 and O-2 visa holders.”
We have not yet recorded: Study place needed; Work experience; Language; Age limit; Money to show; Main fee; Salary threshold; Can lead to permanent residence; Decision time; Occupation list. That does not mean there is no rule — confirm on the official page. Official page.
Other work with a sponsor routes in United States
- CW-1 CNMI-Only Transitional Worker
- E-3 Specialty Occupation Professionals from Australia
- Employment-Based Immigration: First Preference EB-1
- Employment-Based Immigration: Second Preference EB-2
- Employment-Based Immigration: Third Preference EB-3
- Employment-Based Immigration: Fourth Preference EB-4
- H-1B Specialty Occupations
- H-3 Nonimmigrant Trainee or Special Education Exchange Visitor
- I Representatives of Foreign Media
- L-1A Intracompany Transferee Executive or Manager
- L-1B Intracompany Transferee Specialized Knowledge
- P-1A Internationally Recognized Athlete
- P-1B Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
- P-2 Reciprocal Exchange Program Performer
- P-3 Culturally Unique Program Artist or Entertainer
- Physician National Interest Waiver
- Q Cultural Exchange
- R-1 Temporary Religious Workers
- Special Immigrant Broadcaster
- Special Immigrant International Organization Employee
- Special Immigrant Religious Worker
- TN USMCA Professionals
All visa types in United States
Every visa type we have listed, grouped by purpose, with links to the official pages.
United States visa typesBefore you pay anyone
- Nobody can guarantee a visa. Only the government of the country you apply to decides.
- UK employers must not charge you for a Certificate of Sponsorship.
- German missions say you don't need an agent to get a visa appointment.
- Check any adviser or recruitment agent on an official register before you pay.