Securing an O-1 visa can be a demanding process, particularly for professionals with busy schedules. Although obtaining an O-1 visa may sometimes seem straightforward, it can also be quite complex—so please don’t feel overwhelmed; our team is here to support you.
The O-1 visa is split into two types: O-1A and O-1B. Each category accommodates different professions, meaning you may qualify under either the O-1A or the O-1B classification. While the approval criteria for these subcategories differ somewhat, they share many similarities.
It’s important to note that you cannot apply for O-1 visa status without first having a sponsor or petitioner. In fact, if USCIS had a “grading sheet” for eligibility, roughly half of the evaluation would focus on your sponsor. For example, even a renowned figure like Picasso would have required a sponsor to secure an O-1 visa, and the same applies to all applicants.
Once you have secured a sponsor, the next step is to provide proof of your talent. There are circumstances where meeting one key criterion—such as winning a major international award like the Nobel Prize—exempts you from needing to meet the other requirements. [Refer to 8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(1) and 8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(A)].
If you have not received such a major award, you must demonstrate your talent by fulfilling a series of specific criteria. USCIS is solely focused on verifying that you meet these requirements, so any information outside these criteria is unnecessary.
The required evidence varies depending on whether you are applying for an O-1A or an O-1B visa. For more details about the different standards, please visit our O-1 Visa criteria page.
Keep in mind that the O-1B visa applies to professionals in the arts, whereas the O-1A visa is for those in athletics, business, education, and science.
O-1 visa requirements
O-1A VISA
For an O-1A visa, if you have not received a major award recognized in your industry, you must satisfy at least three out of eight criteria.
The eight evidentiary benchmarks are as follows:
1. Awards – Full Text: “Documentation of the alien’s receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(1))
2. Associations – Full Text: “Documentation of the alien’s membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(2))
3. News Media – Full Text: “Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the alien, relating to the alien’s work in the field for which classification is sought, including the title, date, and author of such material (with necessary translations).” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(3))
4. Judge – Full Text: “Evidence of the alien’s participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or an allied field of specialization.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(4))
5. Contributions – Full Text: “Evidence of the alien’s original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(5))
6. Authorship – Full Text: “Evidence of the alien’s authorship of scholarly articles in the field, published in professional journals or other major media.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(6))
7. Organizations – Full Text: “Evidence that the alien has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments with a distinguished reputation.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(7))
8. Salary – Full Text: “Evidence that the alien has commanded or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, as demonstrated by contracts or other reliable evidence.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iii)(B)(8))
Each criterion is distinct, so it is advisable to review the linked details for each one. You may notice some overlap in similar requirements.
O-1B VISA
For an O-1B visa, if you have not received a significant award in your industry, you must satisfy at least three out of six talent criteria. Winning such an award automatically qualifies you.
1. Awards – Full Text: “Has been nominated for or received significant national or international awards or prizes for excellence, such as an Academy Award, an Emmy, a Grammy, or a Directors Guild Award.” (Refer to INA 101(a)(15)(O) and 8 CFR §214.2(O)(3)(iv))
2. Events – Full Text: “Documentation that the alien has performed, and will perform, as a lead or starring participant in productions or events with a distinguished reputation, supported by evidence such as critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, contracts, or endorsements.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(1))
3. News Media – Full Text: “Published material demonstrating that the alien has achieved national or international recognition for their work, as evidenced by critical reviews or other significant publications in major newspapers, trade journals, or magazines.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(2))
4. Organizations – Full Text: “Documentation showing that the alien has performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations or establishments with a distinguished reputation, supported by articles, testimonials, or similar evidence.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(3))
5. Success – Full Text: “Evidence of a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, indicated by factors such as title, ratings, box office receipts, television ratings, or other documented occupational achievements.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(4))
6. Recognition – Full Text: “Evidence that the alien has received significant recognition for their achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts, with testimonials that clearly state the author’s authority and expertise.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(5))
7. Salary – Full Text: “Documentation that the alien has commanded or will command a high salary or substantial remuneration for services compared to peers, supported by contracts or other reliable evidence.” (8 CFR 214.2(O)(3)(iv)(B)(6))
Again, it is advisable to review each linked criterion individually, as some requirements may repeat in similar ways.