O-1 Visa Glossary: Key Terms Explained
Plain-English definitions of O-1 visa terms: O-1A, O-1B, RFE, Form I-129, premium processing, advisory opinion, O-3 status and more, sourced from USCIS.
Quick answer. This glossary defines the terms that come up in an O-1 petition, using USCIS's own wording where it exists. Where a term describes how Lando works, it is marked Lando.
O-1A (extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics)
The O-1A is for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics. Under USCIS's regulation, extraordinary ability means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field. A petition must show a major internationally recognized award, or meet at least three of eight listed criteria.
O-1B (extraordinary ability in the arts, or achievement in film and television)
The O-1B is for people with extraordinary ability in the arts, or a record of extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television. For the arts, USCIS's regulation describes distinction as a high level of achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, so that the person is prominent, renowned, leading or well known in the field. A petition must show a significant national or international award or prize, or meet at least three of six listed criteria.
Beneficiary
The person who would receive O-1 status: the artist, founder, engineer, researcher or other professional the petition is filed for.
Petitioner
The party that files the petition with USCIS. For the O-1 this is a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent.
U.S. agent
A U.S. person or entity that can file an O-1 petition on the beneficiary's behalf where an agent is permitted, for example when the beneficiary will work for more than one employer.
Form I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker. It is the USCIS form used to file an O-1 petition.
Advisory opinion (consultation)
A written opinion from a peer group, or from a person with expertise in the field, that must accompany an O-1 petition.
Evidentiary criteria
The listed types of evidence USCIS uses to judge extraordinary ability or achievement, such as awards, press, a critical role, a high salary, judging the work of others, or original contributions. The O-1A lists eight, and the O-1B for the arts lists six.
Request for Evidence (RFE)
A USCIS notice asking for more documentation before it decides a petition. Lando includes responses to RFEs in its flat fee.
Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID)
A USCIS notice saying it intends to deny a petition and giving the petitioner a chance to respond first.
Premium processing
An optional USCIS service, requested on Form I-907, that gives a 15 business day time frame for USCIS to take action on an O-1 petition. The fee is $2,965 as of September 2026. It does not guarantee an approval.
Form I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service. It is filed to ask USCIS for premium processing.
O-3 status
The classification for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an O-1 holder. They may be eligible to accompany the O-1 holder.
Period of stay
An initial O-1 stay can be up to three years. Extensions are granted in increments of up to one year.
EB-1A
The employment-based first preference green card category for extraordinary ability. Many O-1 holders later pursue it. It is a different petition from the O-1, with its own standard.
Evidence map (Lando)
Lando's plan, built in the first days of a case, for which achievements to lead with, which expert letters to request, and which USCIS criteria your background meets.
Fee-back guarantee (Lando)
If USCIS denies a petition Lando filed, Lando refunds its fee for that petition. USCIS government fees are not part of Lando's fee. Terms apply.
Common questions
What is the difference between a petitioner and a beneficiary?
The beneficiary is the person who would receive O-1 status. The petitioner is the U.S. employer or U.S. agent (or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent) that files the petition with USCIS.
Is premium processing the same as approval?
No. Premium processing sets a 15 business day time frame for USCIS to take action. The action can be an approval, a denial, a Request for Evidence or a notice of intent to deny.
How many criteria must an O-1 petition meet?
For the O-1A, a major internationally recognized award or at least three of eight criteria. For the O-1B in the arts, a significant national or international award or prize, or at least three of six criteria.
Sources
- USCIS: O-1 Visa, Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
- USCIS Policy Manual, Volume 2, Part M, Chapter 4
- 8 CFR 214.2(o) on eCFR
- USCIS: How Do I Request Premium Processing?
Checked September 2026.
Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.