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Is there a minimum salary requirement for the O-1?

The O-1 does not require a fixed minimum salary: what matters is extraordinary ability. Even so, align compensation with market standards to reinforce the legitimacy of your petition.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 17, 2026
1 min read
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There is no minimum salary set by law for the O-1. This category is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, and the analysis focuses on the professional’s recognition and merit, not on a predefined salary range.

That does not mean compensation is irrelevant. A petition tends to perform better when the job offer is consistent with the market and with the specialized nature of the activity, reinforcing that the candidate is a high-caliber professional and that the offer is legitimate.

  • There is no specific salary floor required to obtain the visa.
  • Compensation should be commensurate with the role and with industry standards.
  • Contracts and market comparisons help support the case.

Because each case is evaluated individually and rules may change, it is advisable to confirm updated requirements with USCIS or a qualified specialist before filing.

Learn more about O-1

Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Initial validity
3 years
Extension
1 year at a time (unlimited)
Processing
2-4 months
All about O-1

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.

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Is there a minimum salary requirement for the O-1?

The O-1 does not require a fixed minimum salary: what matters is extraordinary ability. Even so, align compensation with market standards to reinforce the legitimacy of your petition.

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