There are two sub-categories of O-1:

• O-1A (Sciences, Education, Business, Athletics):
  You must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim in your field, evidenced by at least THREE of the following:
  • Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards
  • Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement
  • Published material about you in professional or major trade publications
  • Participation as a judge of the work of others
  • Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or media
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity for distinguished organizations
  • Evidence of a high salary or remuneration relative to peers
• O-1B (Arts, Motion Picture & Television)
  You must demonstrate distinction (i.e. a high level of achievement and recognition) through at least THREE of these:
  • Lead or starring roles in productions with distinguished reputations
  • National or international recognition for achievements and critical reviews
  • Commercial or critically acclaimed successes
  • Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes
  • Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or experts
  • High salary or other substantial remuneration in comparison to others in the field

• The initial O-1 may be approved for up to three years, corresponding to the time needed for the event, project, or activity in the U.S., but no longer than three years total in that initial grant.
• After that, you (or your employer/agent) can request unlimited extensions in one-year increments (Form I-129, petition for an additional year) so long as you continue to work in your field of extraordinary ability and the underlying activities remain valid.

• Legal Fees: As a general guideline our competitive fees for the preparation and filing of an O-1 petition are around $5,000. Additional preparation fees of approx. $500 are applicable for any dependents (spouse, children) who seek O-3 status while in the United States.
• Government Filing Fees*: Government filing fees for standard processing of an O-1 petition are, at the time of writing:
  • $1,655.00 for large employers > 25 or
  • $830.00 for small employers < 26 or nonprofits
  • Standard processing is 5-10 months. USCIS also offers an expedited 15-day O-1 processing for an additional $2,805.00.
  • Additional government filing fees of $470.00 are applicable to each O-3 dependent (spouse, children etc). O-3 dependents are not eligible for expedited processing.
• Visa Issuance Fees: If the worker seeks to enter the United States (either to commence their position, or after temporary foreign travel), all except citizens of Canada will need to obtain a visa sticker in their passport from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For most nationalities, this is typically $205.00 per sticker, but additional reciprocity fees may be required. You can view the reciprocity fee table here. We’ll let you know if this applies in your situation.
• Other Fees: The O-1 may require certain professional or peer reviews, which may incur fees.
  

* Note: Government filing fees change regularly. For up-to-date fees, verify the USCIS Fee Schedule here.