Sustained national or international acclaim
Recognition that is ongoing, documented and independent of your own claims.
United States — Pathway
O-1A Visa
For individuals at the top of their field, on a fast timeline.
A temporary US work visa for people with extraordinary ability in science, business, education or athletics. It is the fastest credible route into the US for high-achievers, and the most common on-ramp to EB-1A later.
84%
Typical fit
Indicative — your score is personal
Timeline
3–6 months
Processing
15 days with Premium Processing
Who this is for.
Engineers, researchers and operators with public recognition
Founders with funding, traction or press coverage
Award winners, judges and speakers in their field
What it takes.
Three of eight evidentiary criteria
Awards, press, judging, publications, exclusive membership, high salary, original contributions, leading role.
A US petitioner
A US employer or agent must file for you; an agent can cover multiple clients.
An advisory opinion
A peer group or expert letter confirming the nature of the work.
Evidence plan
The file you'll build.
Awards and selection criteria
Press features in trade or major media
Peer review or judging invitations and confirmations
Independent expert recommendation letters
Salary and contract comparisons
Questions we get.
Is O-1A only for scientists?
No. Business, athletics and education all qualify. Arts and film go through the closely related O-1B.
Can I self-petition?
Not directly, but an agent petitioner lets you keep multiple clients rather than one employer.