Which government agencies may be involved in the O-1?

The O-1 passes through more than one U.S. government agency, each responsible for a different stage of the process. Understanding this flow helps explain why documentation needs to be well organized from start to finish.

In general, three agencies tend to be involved:

• USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services): receives and reviews the petition, evaluating whether the applicant genuinely demonstrates extraordinary ability in their field.
• Department of State (U.S. Department of State): conducts the interview at the consulate or embassy when the applicant is outside the United States.
• CBP (U.S. Customs and Border Protection): performs the inspection at the port of entry, verifying status upon arrival in the country.

Each stage has its own requirements, and meeting all of them transparently is what ensures a smooth transition. If you have questions about the role of each agency, it is worth consulting official sources and, if needed, seeking guidance from a trusted specialist.

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.