O1 Visa Requirements: O-1A and O-1B Criteria

O1 visa requirements and criteria: the 3-of-8 O-1A and 3-of-6 O-1B tests, the paperwork a petition needs, and the steps to apply for an O-1 visa.

Page reviewed October 8, 2026.

Quick answer. To qualify for the O-1 visa you show extraordinary ability in your field. For the O-1A (sciences, education, business and athletics) you either show a major internationally recognized award or meet at least three of eight criteria. For the O-1B (arts) you show a significant national or international award, or meet at least three of six criteria. Motion picture and television work is held to a higher standard of extraordinary achievement. The petition also needs an advisory opinion, a contract or summary of the work, an itinerary, and a U.S. employer or agent to file it.

The O-1A criteria (3 of 8)

The O-1A is for people with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics. A petition shows a major internationally recognized award, or at least three of these eight:

  • Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field
  • Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement of their members
  • Published material about you in professional or major trade publications or major media
  • Judging the work of others in the field, individually or on a panel
  • Original scientific, scholarly, athletic or business-related contributions of major significance
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations with a distinguished reputation
  • A high salary or other remuneration compared with others in the field

The O-1B criteria (3 of 6)

The O-1B is for people with extraordinary ability in the arts, or a record of extraordinary achievement in motion pictures or television. A petition shows a significant national or international award or prize, or at least three of these six:

  • Lead or starring roles in productions or events with a distinguished reputation
  • National or international recognition shown by critical reviews or other published material
  • A lead, starring or critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation
  • Major commercial or critical success, such as box office, ratings, sales or reviews
  • Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies or other experts
  • A high salary or other remuneration compared with others in the field

Meeting the criteria is not enough on its own

USCIS first checks whether you meet the required number of criteria. It then looks at the evidence as a whole to decide whether it shows extraordinary ability or achievement. For the arts the standard is distinction, a high level of achievement substantially above the ordinary. For motion pictures and television it is extraordinary achievement, which is higher. This is why a case is built around the strongest evidence, not a count of boxes.

What else the petition needs

  • A written advisory opinion from a peer group or a person with expertise in the field. For the arts this is often a union or guild.
  • A contract, or a summary of the terms of an oral agreement, covering the work in the United States.
  • An itinerary of the events or activities, with dates and locations.
  • A U.S. petitioner: a U.S. employer, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. You cannot file for yourself.

How to apply for an O-1 visa

  • Check your eligibility. A free 2-minute check shows how your record maps to the O-1A and O-1B criteria.
  • Choose the classification. Founders, engineers and researchers usually look at the O-1A. Artists, performers, designers and filmmakers usually look at the O-1B.
  • Build the evidence: awards, press, judging, contributions, roles, salary and expert letters, organized by criterion.
  • Get the advisory opinion, and settle the petitioner: an employer or a U.S. agent.
  • File Form I-129 with USCIS. Premium processing is optional and gets a decision in 15 business days. A decision can be an approval, a request for evidence or a denial.
  • If you are outside the U.S., apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate after approval. If you are in the U.S. in a valid status, a change of status may be possible.

Common questions

What are the O1 visa requirements?

A major internationally recognized award, or at least three of eight criteria for the O-1A, or a significant national or international award, or at least three of six criteria for the O-1B. The petition also needs an advisory opinion, a contract or summary of the work, an itinerary, and a U.S. employer or agent.

How many criteria do I need for the O-1?

Three. The O-1A lists eight criteria and the O-1B lists six for the arts. A major award can replace the three-criteria test.

Is the O-1 the same as the O1 visa?

Yes. The O1 visa is the same visa written without the hyphen. The O1A and O1B are the same as the O-1A and O-1B.

Do I need a job offer for an O-1?

You need a U.S. petitioner, which can be an employer, an agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. Founders and artists with several clients often use an agent petitioner, where the rules allow it.

How do I apply for an O-1 visa?

A U.S. employer or agent files Form I-129 with USCIS, with the evidence, the advisory opinion, the contract or summary and the itinerary. After approval you apply at a U.S. consulate, or change status if you are already in the U.S. in a valid status.

Does Lando guarantee approval?

No. USCIS decides every petition, and Lando does not promise an outcome. Lando is not a law firm. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.

Sources

Checked October 2026.

Lando is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. Petitions are prepared in coordination with licensed U.S. immigration attorneys.