O-1A Extraordinary Ability (Sciences, Business, Education, Athletics)
For the top of the field — no lottery, no cap, no prevailing wage, unlimited 1-year extensions.
Overview
The O-1A is the most flexible high-skill visa: no cap, no lottery, no prevailing wage. Available to individuals with sustained national or international acclaim who meet at least 3 of 8 criteria — awards, memberships, press about you, judging others' work, original contributions, scholarly articles, critical employment, or high salary.
Whether you are a VC-backed founder, a researcher with significant citations, or an elite athlete, we curate the evidence, secure the peer advisory opinion, and frame your acclaim for approval.
Who May Qualify
- Sustained national or international acclaim in sciences, education, business, or athletics
- At least 3 of 8 O-1A criteria (or one major internationally recognized award)
- A U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor and an itinerary of work
- Advisory opinion from a peer group or labor organization where applicable
How We Help
- Criteria mapping and evidence curation — recommendation letters that persuade
- Agent-based petitions for founders and multi-employer professionals
- 3-year initial approval + unlimited 1-year extensions
- O-1 to EB-1A green card sequencing
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Nobel laureate?
No. You need at least 3 of 8 criteria — salary, original contributions, judging, authorship, and press are common combinations.
Can I work for multiple employers?
Yes — through an agent petition covering an itinerary of engagements.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by viewing this page. Immigration law is complex and fact-specific — please consult a qualified immigration attorney about your individual situation.