Is there a fee waiver for nonprofits sponsoring an O-1?

For the O-1, whether a fee waiver is available does not depend on the sponsoring organization being a nonprofit or NGO. What determines the existence of any waiver are the USCIS rules for each specific petition form and category, which can change over time.

In general, petitions based on extraordinary ability follow the fee schedule established for that type of work petition, and the mere fact that the sponsoring entity is a nonprofit does not automatically create a payment exemption. Some waivers and fee reductions do exist within the immigration system, but they tend to be tied to specific circumstances defined by regulation, not to the nature of the organization.

Before preparing the petition, it is worth:

• Checking the current fees and waiver rules directly on the official USCIS website.
• Confirming which form and which fees apply to your specific case.
• Verifying whether any specific waiver or reduction fits your situation.

Because fee amounts and waiver policies are updated periodically, avoid relying on outdated information or third-party assurances. The safest approach is to confirm the current requirements with USCIS directly or with a trusted immigration professional.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.