- Prominence in field
- Consultation from an organization or expert
- Must have U.S. employer or agent
- Valid for up to three years (extensions permissible)
Temporary Visas
O-1 Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 nonimmigrant visas are for people of “extraordinary ability.” The regulations also provide for O-2 visas for supporting workers and O-3 visas for dependants of O-1 and O-2. Eligibility for O visas is based on nonacademic achievements. There are no numerical limits on the O visas issuable each year.
O petitions may be valid for up to three years, with extensions in one-year increments.
A foreign national cannot self-petition for an O-1 visa; a U.S. employer is required. The regulations permit an “agent” to act as an employer and to pay the foreign national. For more details see extraordinary ability (EB-1) green card.
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Requirements