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USA O1 Entrepreneur Visa
At a glance

Quick facts

No minimum investment; Typical timeline 3 months; 3 highlights

Minimum investment
No minimum
Currency: USD
Typical timeline
From application start
Highlights
  • O1 Visa
  • Entrepreneur
  • USA
~10 sec

Quick eligibility check

Answer 4 short questions. No data is sent to our servers.

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1Question 1 of 4 — Have you received national or international recognition in your field?
2Question 2 of 4 — Do you have a U.S. sponsor, agent, or company offer?
3Question 3 of 4 — Do you hold awards, media recognition, or expert memberships?
4Question 4 of 4 — Do you play a critical role in a distinguished company or project?

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Company snapshot

Extraordinary Ability VisaEntrepreneur & Talent ProgramNo Minimum InvestmentUSA
Entity type
Sponsorship or agent-based
Ownership
No investment required
Office / facility
U.S. sponsor or company contract needed
Indicative visa quota
Unlimited — no annual cap
Bank account readiness
N/A

Program overview

Overview

The USA O1 Entrepreneur Visa is designed for exceptional entrepreneurs, founders, and professionals with extraordinary ability in business, science, arts, or technology. It allows you to live and work in the U.S. without investment or lottery, supported by a U.S. sponsor or agent. With strong recognition through awards, media, or expert achievements, O1 visa holders can also transition to a Green Card under the EB1A category.

O1 Visa Sponsorship Requirements

Salary/role guidance used by authorities when issuing employment visas/sponsorship.

LevelMinimum salaryNotes
Extraordinary Talent / EntrepreneurUSD 90,000Indicative salary for O1 professionals; varies by field and sponsor.
  • Must show national or international recognition for achievements.
  • Requires a valid U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor.
  • Strong evidence such as awards, publications, or media coverage boosts approval chances.

Government fees

Official

Government fees

Total (USD): $3,515
  • I-129 Petition for O1 Visa

    Base USCIS filing fee for O1 category.

    $460
  • Premium Processing (optional)

    Expedites USCIS decision within 14 days.

    $2,805
  • Anti-Fraud Fee (if applicable)

    Applies to certain petition categories.

    $250
  • Visa Issuance Fee

    Varies by nationality.

    —

Eligibility

  • Valid U.S. sponsor, agent, or employment contract.
  • Proof of extraordinary achievements or recognition in your field.
  • Evidence meeting at least three O1 eligibility criteria.
  • Valid passport and supporting documentation.
  • Ongoing employment or projects in your area of expertise.

Key benefits

  • No lottery or quota — O1 visas accepted year-round.
  • Ideal for entrepreneurs, founders, artists, and innovators.
  • No minimum investment required.
  • Can work for multiple employers or your own company.
  • Pathway to U.S. Green Card under EB1A category.

Post-Approval Steps for O1 Visa Holders

Typical actions after license & visas are issued.

  1. Start working or performing under your approved U.S. sponsor or agent.
  2. Renew or extend your O1 visa annually to continue work eligibility.
  3. Keep records of ongoing achievements, publications, and contracts.
  4. Apply for O3 visas for your spouse and dependent children.
  5. Consider applying for a Green Card under the EB1A category when eligible.

Application process

Process

How it works

  1. Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

    Evaluate achievements and confirm O1 visa eligibility.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  2. Step 2: Document Preparation

    Collect awards, media, recommendation letters, and credentials.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  3. Step 3: Secure U.S. Sponsorship

    Obtain a valid U.S. offer or contract from an employer or agent.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  4. Step 4: File Form I-129

    Submit petition with evidence of extraordinary ability to USCIS.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  5. Step 5: Visa Interview

    Attend consular interview and provide supporting documentation.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks

  6. Step 6: Visa Approval

    Begin work or project in the U.S. under O1 status.

    GuidedAvg. 2–4 weeks
USCIS (United States Citizenship and Immigration Services)

Authority-specific notes

  • Reviews and adjudicates all O1 petitions.
  • Premium Processing (14 days) available.
  • Requires extensive proof of extraordinary ability.
U.S. Department of State

Authority-specific notes

  • Processes O1 visa interviews and issuance abroad.
  • DS-160 and consular fees apply.
IRS (Internal Revenue Service)

Authority-specific notes

  • Tax compliance required for U.S. earnings.
  • U.S. income tax may apply based on residency status.

Who this program is NOT for

  • No verified achievements or recognition in your field.
  • No U.S. sponsor or work offer.
  • Incomplete supporting documentation.
  • Failure to demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim.

Not a match? Explore other programs in United States.

Frequently asked questions

Individuals with extraordinary ability in business, science, arts, education, or athletics who are recognized nationally or internationally.

Initially valid up to 3 years, extendable in 1-year increments.

Yes, a U.S. employer, agent, or organization must file your petition.

Yes, through the EB1A category for extraordinary ability professionals.

No, there is no quota — petitions are accepted year-round.
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