The O-1 petition is filed with the USCIS using Form I-129 and requires payment of an official fee. Because this amount is adjusted periodically, we do not list a fixed figure here: the current fee must be verified directly on the USCIS fee schedule.
The O-1 is the visa category for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. In general, it is the employer or agent who files the petition on behalf of the beneficiary, and the petition fee is typically just one of the potential costs involved in the process.
Those who need a faster decision may opt for premium processing, an optional service that expedites adjudication for an additional fee. As with the petition fee, that amount may change, so confirm the current cost at the official source before making a decision.
- The petition fee is paid to USCIS together with Form I-129.
- Premium processing is optional and billed separately.
- Additional costs may apply depending on the case (professional fees, consular fees, and the like).
Since fees and procedures change frequently, always verify the current amounts on the official USCIS website or with a trusted immigration professional 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
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.