O-1 Visa FAQs

The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television.

Yes. The O-1 visa requires a U.S. employer, agent, or U.S. agent to file the petition. You cannot apply on your own.

Generally no. USCIS expects a bona fide job or contract with documented payment. Some stipends, honoraria, or volunteer roles may be acceptable in limited cases, but fully unpaid honorary positions are usually not approved.

• Initial validity: up to 3 years, depending on the duration of the project or employment.
• Extensions: 1-year increments, with no strict lifetime limit as long as you continue qualifying work.

Yes, if you are in valid B-1/B-2 status and the petition requests a change of status. You cannot begin O-1 work until USCIS approves the petition.

No. USCIS focuses on the legitimacy of the job offer and the O-1 applicant’s qualifications, not the sponsor’s personal finances.

Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for O-3 visas to accompany the O-1 visa holder.

Yes, but each employer or agent must be listed on the petition, or a U.S. agent can file a single petition covering multiple engagements.

Yes. Many O-1 holders qualify for EB-1A or EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW) green cards due to their extraordinary ability.

Yes. O-2 visas are for support personnel essential to the O-1 applicant’s work. A separate I-129 petition must be filed for each O-2.

Please click the links below to learn the details about other work visas.

Immigrant Visas:

1. EB-1 Visas  (Employment-Based First Preference)
2. EB-2 Visas (Employment-Based Second Preference)
3. NIW ( National Interest Waiver) (EB2 NIW)
4. EB-3 Visas (Employment-Based Third Preference)
5. EB-4 Visas (Employment-Based Four Preference)

 

Non-immigrant Temporary Work Visas:

1. 1. O Visas
   2. H-1B Visas (Workers in a specialty occupation)
   3. R1 Visas (Religious workers)
   4. P Visas ( Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers)
   5. L-1A Visas (Intracompany transferees in managerial or executive positions)
   6. L-1B Visas (Intracompany transferees in positions utilizing specialized knowledge)
   7. TN Visas (North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) temporary professionals from Mexico and Canada)
   8. FAQ on O Visas

Assessing Eligibility: Our skilled attorneys and paralegals will evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the various options available to bring your family members to the United States. We talk in different languages for your comfort like English, Bangla, Hindi & Urdu.
Document Preparation: We assist you in gathering the required documentation, ensuring that all forms and supporting evidence are accurately completed and submitted in a timely manner.
Petition Filing: Our team will handle the preparation, filing, and tracking of your family visa petition, advocating for your loved one’s immigration rights at every step of the process.
Communication and Representation: We communicate with relevant immigration authorities on your behalf, responding to any requests for additional evidence or interviews, and providing legal representation throughout the proceedings.

After the visa is approved, we offer guidance on the next steps, including adjustment of status or consular processing, to help your family members smoothly transition to life in the United States.