For the best in their field. And, if you like, with your own company as sponsor.
The US O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa lets foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in the arts, science, sports, education, business, film and television come to the USA, initially for up to three years.
Important: The O visa is not the same as the EB-1, the green card for people with extraordinary ability. Find out more about the EB-1 here.
To get an O-1 visa, you need to show that you are a leader or recognized figure in your industry, or that you have won a major award in your field. You also need to keep working in that field in the USA, and prove it. You don't necessarily need an outside sponsor: you can also sponsor yourself through your own company. After three years, the O-1 can be extended if needed. And thanks to separate visa types, you can bring assistants with you to the States.
1The basics: what the O-1 is and who gets it
1.1The O-1 visa at a glance
Who, what, how? Find out who the O-1 visa is right for, what the requirements and visa types are, and more.
1.2Benefits of the O-1 visa
Affordable, renewable without limit and versatile: this is what makes the US O visa category so attractive.
1.3O-1 visa FAQ
Still have questions? Here we answer the most common ones about O-1 requirements, the application and more.
In writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
2With your own company and as a founder
2.1Applying for the O-1 visa without an employer
You can also sponsor your O-1 visa through your own US company. Worth a look for startup founders and other entrepreneurs.
2.2The O-1 visa for startup founders
How foreign startup founders can qualify for the US O visa as "individuals with extraordinary ability"
Company formation and visa in one plan, so your company carries your visa.
3Costs and interview
3.1O-1 visa: costs & fees
How much does the sought-after O-1 visa cost? Find out what to budget for processing fees and more.
3.2The O-1 visa interview
Tips for your US embassy interview: how best to prepare for your O-1 visa interview.
4Staying in status and extending
4.1Maintaining your O-1 status
Maintaining your visa status is essential if you want to keep living and working in the USA. These are the rules to follow.
4.2Extending your O-1 visa
After three years, you can extend your O-1 visa as often as you need. Here's what you have to do.
4.3When your O-1 extension is denied
O-1 extension denied? Here's what you can do if your visa wasn't extended in the States.
Find the right path to the USA for you in one conversation.
5From practice, and the path to a green card
5.1How an influencer secured her O-1 visa
A US visa as an influencer: how an entrepreneur in the social media industry got her O-1 visa.
5.2O-1 visa vs. EB-1 green card: the differences
The O-1 visa and the EB-1 green card have similar criteria. Find out where the two categories differ.
- The O-1 visa is for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in the arts, science, sports, education, business, film and television, and is initially valid for up to three years.
- You need to show that you are a leader or recognized in your industry, or have won a major award, and keep working in that field in the USA.
- Instead of an outside sponsor, your own company can sponsor you.
- After three years, the O-1 can be extended if needed, and assistants can come with you.
- The O visa is a nonimmigrant visa and not the same as the EB-1 green card.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay in the USA on an O-1 visa?
Initially up to three years. After that, the O-1 can be extended if needed. Our article on extending the O-1 visa explains how.
Who can get an O-1 visa?
Foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in the arts, science, sports, education, business, film and television. You need to show that you are a leader or recognized in your industry, or have won a major award in your field, and keep working in that field in the USA.
Do I need an outside sponsor for the O-1?
Not necessarily. You can also sponsor yourself through your own company, which is especially interesting for startup founders and other entrepreneurs.
Can I bring assistants to the USA?
Yes. Thanks to separate visa types, assistants can come with you to the States. You'll find the details in our O-1 visa overview.
Is the O visa the same as the EB-1?
No. The EB-1 is the green card for people with extraordinary ability; the O visa is a temporary visa. The page O-1 visa or EB-1 green card explains the difference.
How we help you
- Visa RoadmapIn writing: which visa fits you and your family, prepared with the immigration attorney on the firm's team.
- Visa Roadmap for Company FormationFormation and visa in one plan, so the company carries the visa.
- Visa and Green Card ConsultationWhich route to the USA fits you, settled in one conversation.
- Form a CorporationThe US corporation (Inc) for growth, investors and your visa.
- Moving to the USAVisa, bank account, taxes and where to live: your move with Mount Bonnell Advisors.
All guides on this topic
US Visa Options for Freelancers, the Self-Employed & Influencers Read more → 
Advisory opinion for the O-1: your peers' verdict before USCIS Read more → 
O-1 through an agent, employer or your own company: who signs Read more → 
Maintaining your O-1 status Read more → 
Applying for the O-1: from evidence binder to consulate appointment Read more → 
The O-1 visa for startup founders heading to the USA Read more → 
The O-1 visa at a glance Read more → 
Sponsoring your O-1 visa through your own company Read more → 
The O-1 visa interview Read more → 
FAQ: the US O-1 visa Read more → 
O-1 visa: costs & fees Read more → 
O-1 visa or EB-1 green card? Read more → 
How to get your O-1 visa extension right Read more → 
US O-1 visa: when your extension is denied Read more → 
How an influencer secured her O-1 visa for the USA Read more → 
The advantages of the O-1 visa Read more → More on US visas
All articles →
The US EB-1A visa Read more → US Visa Options for Freelancers, the Self-Employed & Influencers Read more → Advisory opinion for the O-1: your peers' verdict before USCIS Read more → O-1 through an agent, employer or your own company: who signs Read more → Maintaining your O-1 status Read more → Applying for the O-1: from evidence binder to consulate appointment Read more →