As an immigration attorney, I understand that navigating the complex world of U.S. visas can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the various fees involved. If you're considering applying for an O-1 Extraordinary Ability nonimmigrant visa, please see the below breakdown of the corresponding visa fees. By the end of this article, you'll have a thorough understanding of the mandatory filing fees, optional premium processing fees, and other costs.
What is an O-1 Visa?
An O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. It allows these individuals to work in the U.S. for a temporary period of up to 3 years which may be extended in 3 year increments for as long as the O1 activity continues. To learn more about the O-1 visa, read our O-1A and O-1B visa guides
How to Understand O-1 Visa Fees
To effectively budget and plan for your O-1 visa application, it is essential to have a detailed breakdown of the various fees associated with the process.
1. USCIS Filing Fees
The filing fees for the O1 category are:
- $1,055 I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker OR
- $530 I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker if small employer (with <25 employees) and non-profits AND
- $300 (if <25 employees) or $600 (if 25+ employees) Asylum fee. This fee is mandatory for all O-1 visa applications, including extensions and changes of status.
2. Premium Processing Fee
Premium processing is an optional service that expedites the processing of Form I-129. The fee for premium processing is $2,805, which guarantees a government response within 15 business days.
3. DS-160 Visa Stamp Fee
When applying for an O-1 visa stamp to enter the US in O-1 status, the DS-160 form must be submitted online to the US Department of State. The DS-160 visa application fee is $185 per applicant.
4. Attorney Fees
Legal fees for preparing and filing an O-1 visa application vary by law firm. Reach out to us through this form to understand your case and applicable fees.
5. Additional Costs
- Obtaining necessary documents: Costs may include obtaining necessary documents, translations, and travel expenses for consulate interviews.
- Other potential costs: Other potential costs may include advisory opinions, expert letters, and consultation fees from peer groups or labor organizations.
6. Fees for Dependents
O-3 visa stamp fees for dependents (spouses and children under 21) are $185 per person.
Dependents physically in the US also have the option to file Form I-539 to request a change of status to O-3 or extension of O-3 status. The I-539 fee is $470.
Tip on Reducing O-1 Visa Fees
Family members can save on government fees by skipping USCIS filings and going directly to a US embassy to apply for the O-3 visa stamp directly.
While the O-1 visa application process may seem daunting, with proper planning and guidance, you can navigate the fees and requirements with confidence. We're here to support you every step of the way, from understanding the costs to building a strong case for your extraordinary abilities. Get started with a free consultation and let us help you turn your O-1 visa dreams into a reality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pegah Karimabakhsh Asli is an Associate Attorney at Alma, where she advises startups, founders, and enterprise clients on a wide range of employment-based immigration matters. She has extensive experience preparing and filing petitions across key categories, including TN, H-1B, L-1, O-1, EB-1, NIW, and Adjustment of Status (AOS), and provides strategic counsel to clients navigating complex immigration pathways.
Before joining Alma, Pegah worked at Fragomen in Silicon Valley, where she supported multinational corporations and high-growth companies with business immigration strategy and case management.
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