<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="O-1A"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>O-1A</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Form I-129</span><span>Agent can petition</span></div> <h1><span>O-1A</span> Extraordinary Ability in Sciences, Education, Business or Athletics</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics, shown by sustained national or international acclaim, who are coming to continue work in their field.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/o-1a">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 3 years</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>Up to 1 year at a time, no fixed maximum</dd></div><div><dt>Evidence standard</dt><dd>Major award, or 3 of 8 criteria</dd></div><div><dt>Advisory opinion</dt><dd>Required (peer group or expert)</dd></div><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>None</dd></div><div><dt>USCIS filing fee</dt><dd>$1,055 ($530 small employer or nonprofit)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Self-owned companies can petition.</strong> Under <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250108-ExtraordinaryAbility.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS guidance issued Jan. 8, 2025</a>, a separate legal entity owned by the beneficiary, such as a corporation or LLC, may file the O-1 petition. The person still needs a U.S. employer or agent; individuals cannot petition for themselves.</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">O-1A is for individuals with <strong>extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics</strong>. The regulations define this as a level of expertise showing the person is one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(3)(ii)</a>). The person must be coming temporarily to continue work in that area. Arts and the film and TV industry are covered by O-1B.</p> <p class="b">A U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer acting through a U.S. agent files Form I-129 for one beneficiary per petition. The petition must include evidence of acclaim, a contract or summary of terms, an itinerary of the events or activities, and a written <strong>advisory opinion</strong> from a peer group, labor or management organization, or expert in the field.</p> <p class="b">There is no annual cap and no fixed maximum stay. Extensions are granted one year at a time to continue or complete the same event or activity. Seeking a green card does not by itself bar O-1 approval, extension or admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(13)</a>).</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">Evidence of extraordinary ability: either</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize, <strong>or</strong></li><li>At least three of the eight criteria below. If a criterion does not readily apply to the occupation, comparable evidence may be submitted.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The eight O-1A criteria (8 CFR 214.2(o)(3)(iii)(B))</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.</li><li>Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts.</li><li>Published material about the person in professional or major trade publications or major media.</li><li>Participation, on a panel or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the field or an allied field.</li><li>Original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance.</li><li>Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media.</li><li>Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations with a distinguished reputation.</li><li>A high salary or other high pay for services, past or future, shown by contracts or other reliable evidence.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">The petition must also include</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A written advisory opinion from a peer group (which may be a labor organization) or a person with expertise in the field. If no appropriate peer group exists, USCIS decides on the record.</li><li>The contract, or a summary of an oral agreement, and an explanation of the events or activities with dates and an itinerary.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>As long as needed for the event or activity, up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>In increments of up to 1 year to continue or complete the same event or activity, plus 10 days.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Maximum total</th><td>No fixed limit in the regulations.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Grace periods</th><td>Admission for up to 10 days before and after the validity period (no work during those days), plus one grace period of up to 60 days if employment ends early (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.1(l)(2)</a>).</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Change of employer</th><td>A new employer must file a new petition and extension request; an agent-filed petition can be amended instead.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">The petitioner pays the USCIS fees, and each applicant pays visa fees at the consulate. Amounts are from the USCIS fee schedule (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee schedule</a>. O petitions do not carry the H-1B/L fraud or 9-11 fees.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee (O petition)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,055</a></td><td>Petitioner (employer or agent)</td><td>$530 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees) and nonprofits. An O-1 petition covers one person; an O-2 petition can name up to 25.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees); $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907, optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional. USCIS acts within 15 business days. The fee has applied since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 1, 2026</a>.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$205</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Per person, for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas, including each O-3 family member applying abroad. Not needed for visa-exempt Canadians.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged only to some nationalities, based on reciprocity; many pay nothing.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Advisory-opinion (consultation) letters are issued by private peer groups, unions or management organizations, which may charge their own fees; these are not government fees. The Visa Integrity Fee (at least $250) created by Public Law 119-21 is not listed in the State Department fee regulation; DHS said on <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 22, 2025</a> that it “will be implemented in a future publication.”</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional, for an extra <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>. The clock restarts if USCIS issues a request for evidence.</dd></div><div><dt>Recommended filing time</dt><dd>45 days before start</dd><dd class="n">USCIS advises filing at least 45 days before employment begins, and no more than <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one year</a> before the services are needed.</dd></div><div><dt>Standard processing</dt><dd>Varies</dd><dd class="n">See current <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a> for Form I-129.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">O petitions are not capped and can be filed at any time of year. After approval, applicants outside the U.S. book a visa appointment; wait times vary by embassy.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Gather evidence of acclaim</div><div class="tx">Assemble documentation for a major award, or for at least three of the eight criteria, focused on sustained national or international recognition.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Obtain the advisory opinion</div><div class="tx">Request a written consultation from an appropriate peer group, labor or management organization, or expert, and submit it with the petition.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-129</div><div class="tx">The U.S. employer or agent files Form I-129 with the O and P Classifications Supplement, the evidence, the contract or terms, the itinerary and fees. File at least 45 days before the start date and no more than one year before.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Optional: request premium processing</div><div class="tx">File Form I-907 for a decision within 15 business days.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for the visa</div><div class="tx">After approval, the beneficiary (and any O-3 family members) completes Form DS-160, pays the visa fee and attends a consular interview.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">6</span><div><div class="tt">Enter the United States</div><div class="tx">CBP admits the worker for the petition validity, plus up to 10 days before and after.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the petitioner</h3><ul><li><span>Form I-129 with the O and P Classifications Supplement.</span></li><li><span>Signed contract, or a summary of the oral agreement.</span></li><li><span>Explanation of the events or activities, with start and end dates and an itinerary.</span></li><li><span>Written advisory opinion (consultation) letter.</span></li><li><span>For agents: an itinerary naming each employer and venue, and the terms of employment.</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the beneficiary</h3><ul><li><span>Evidence for the award or criteria, such as award certificates, press coverage, publications, judging invitations, expert letters and pay records.</span></li><li><span>Valid passport and a confirmation page for Form DS-160.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an O-1 or O-2 worker may receive <strong>O-3</strong> status for the same period of admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(6)(iv)</a>).</p> <p class="b">O-3 family members <strong>cannot work</strong> in the U.S. in that status, but they may study full-time or part-time (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p> <p class="b">Family members already in the U.S. extend or change to O-3 status on Form I-539 ($470 on paper, $420 online, per the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fee schedule</a>).</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">O-1A holders often meet standards similar to <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EB-1A (extraordinary ability)</a>, the green card category that lets a person petition for themselves without a job offer or labor certification.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">EB-1A self-petition</div><div class="tx">File Form I-140 showing a one-time achievement, or at least 3 of 10 criteria, demonstrating sustained national or international acclaim.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">Other options</div><div class="tx">Employer sponsorship in EB-2 (including a National Interest Waiver) or EB-3 may also fit.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Adjust status or process abroad</div><div class="tx">When a visa number is available, file Form I-485 or complete consular processing.</div></div></div> <p class="b">The I-140 fee is $715 on paper or $665 online, plus the Asylum Program Fee ($600; $300 for small employers or self-petitioners; $0 for nonprofits), per the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS fee schedule</a>. O-1A approval does not guarantee EB-1A approval; the standards and evidence are assessed separately.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/o-1b"><div class="c">O-1B</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability in the arts or film/TV</div><div class="tx">The arts and motion-picture counterpart to O-1A.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-2"><div class="c">O-2</div><div class="n">O-1 support personnel</div><div class="tx">Essential support staff for an O-1A athlete’s performance.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-1a"><div class="c">P-1A</div><div class="n">Internationally recognized athlete</div><div class="tx">Alternative for athletes and teams competing at an international level.</div></a><a href="/visa/eb-1"><div class="c">EB-1</div><div class="n">Priority workers</div><div class="tx">Green card category including EB-1A extraordinary ability.</div></a><a href="/visa/h-1b"><div class="c">H-1B</div><div class="n">Specialty occupation</div><div class="tx">Degree-level jobs; capped for most employers.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can someone petition for themselves?</summary><p>No. A U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent must file. USCIS guidance from Jan. 8, 2025 confirms that a separate legal entity owned by the beneficiary, such as an LLC or corporation, may be the petitioner.</p></details><details><summary>How many criteria are needed?</summary><p>Either a major internationally recognized award, or evidence meeting at least three of the eight regulatory criteria. Meeting three criteria is the minimum; the evidence as a whole must show sustained national or international acclaim.</p></details><details><summary>Is the advisory opinion always required?</summary><p>Consultation is mandatory, but if the petitioner shows that no appropriate peer group exists, USCIS decides on the evidence in the record.</p></details><details><summary>Can an O-1A holder apply for a green card?</summary><p>Yes. Under 8 CFR 214.2(o)(13), filing a preference petition or getting labor certification approved is not a basis for denying an O-1 petition, extension or admission.</p></details><details><summary>Can O-3 family members work?</summary><p>No. O-3 spouses and children cannot work in that status, but they may study.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(o) — Aliens of extraordinary ability or achievement</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250108-ExtraordinaryAbility.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Alert PA-2025-02: Evidentiary Requirements for O-1 Nonimmigrants</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-updating-policy-to-protect-womens-sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · USCIS Updating Policy to Protect Women’s Sports (Aug. 4, 2025)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 11, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Proposed rule: eliminate the 60-day grace period.</strong> DHS proposed removing 8 CFR 214.1(l)(2), the up-to-60-day grace period after employment ends for E-1, E-2, E-3, H-1B, H-1B1, L-1, O-1 and TN workers and their dependents. This is a proposal only (comments close Nov. 10, 2026); the grace period remains in the regulation for now. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/11/2026-18631/eliminating-the-discretionary-60-day-grace-period" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 9, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New edition of Form I-129 (09/09/26).</strong> USCIS published a new Form I-129 edition. Petitions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Nov. 9, 2026 must use the 09/09/26 edition; the 02/27/26 edition is accepted until then. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 12, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment: the Form I-907 fee for I-129 petitions in L, O and P (and most other) classifications increased from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, entry of nationals of additional countries was fully or partially suspended. Full suspensions cover nonimmigrant visas, including employment categories; partial suspensions cover B, F, M and J visas and shorten validity of other nonimmigrant visas. Limited exceptions apply. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Narrower visa interview waivers.</strong> Effective Oct. 1, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, generally need an in-person consular interview. Waivers remain mainly for diplomatic and official visa classes and certain B-1/B-2, Border Crossing Card and H-2A renewals; consular officers may still require an interview in any case. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Aug 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>O-1A athlete guidance on women’s sports.</strong> Under Executive Order 14201, USCIS treats a male athlete’s competition against women as a negative factor in O-1A extraordinary-ability determinations, and does not consider a male athlete who seeks to compete in women’s sports to be continuing work in his area of extraordinary ability. The guidance applies to pending and new filings. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/news-releases/uscis-updating-policy-to-protect-womens-sports" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 22, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee: not yet implemented.</strong> Public Law 119-21 (July 4, 2025) created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 payable when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. DHS stated the fee “requires cross-agency coordination before implementing” and “will be implemented in a future publication.” <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Fully suspended entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from 12 countries and partially suspended entry from 7 others, effective June 9, 2025. Later amended by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 8, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>O-1 evidence guidance clarified (PA-2025-02).</strong> USCIS clarified how it evaluates O-1A evidence, added examples for critical and emerging technologies, and confirmed that a separate legal entity owned by the beneficiary, such as a corporation or LLC, may file the petition. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/policy-manual-updates/20250108-ExtraordinaryAbility.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 31, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>USCIS fee rule sets separate I-129 fees and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> Effective April 1, 2024, Form I-129 fees vary by classification, with reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, plus a new Asylum Program Fee paid by I-129 petitioners. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/o-1a">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "O-1A", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/o-1a"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can someone petition for themselves?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. A U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent must file. 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