O-1 Visa Checklist

FORMS

• I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker.
• The O Classification Supplement to Form I-129.
• DS-160, Non-immigrant Visa Application.

SIGNATURE

• Make sure the petition is properly signed and filed. USCIS will not accept a stamped or typewritten name in place of a signature.

FEES

Note: Check current fees as they may change: https://www.uscis.gov/forms/filing-fees

• $460 Filing Fee for Form I-129.
• Optional $2500 USCIS Premium Processing fee, if you want to expedite the processing. USCIS must  reply or make a decision  within 15 calendar days after receiving submission.
• Make the check or money order for the USCIS filing fees payable to “U.S. Department of Homeland Security” Do not use the initials “USDHS” or “DHS.” 
• $190 for the DS-160.

DOCUMENTS  – NEED TO SUBMIT 2 COPIES

Note: You may submit legible photocopies of documents requested, unless the Instructions specifically state that you must submit an original document.

IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENTS 

• Copies of all passports and visas;
• I-94;
• Birth Certificates;
• Social Security Cards, if applicable;
• Marriage Certificate, if applicable;
• State ID; 
• Proof of legal name change, if you have changed your name; and
• All identification documents of dependents if applicable.

RESUME OR PORTFOLIO

CONSULTATION: A written consultation from a peer group or labor and/or management organization with expertise in the field (which could include a person or persons with expertise in the field. OR

• Letter from Expert where Peer Group or Labor Organization Unavailable

CONTRACT: The Petitioner must submit a copy of any written contract between Beneficiary and the Petitioner/Employer or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which Beneficiary will be employed. Must include:

• Job description;
• Position title;
• Dates of employment; and 
• Salary.

ITINERARIES: The petitioner must establish that there are events or activities in your field of extraordinary ability for the validity period requested such as an itinerary for a tour or a series of events.

• An explanation of the nature of the events or activities;
• The beginning and ending dates for the events or activities; and
• A copy of any itinerary for the events or activities, if applicable. 
• RECOMMENDATIONS: 6-10 Letters of Recommendation from recognized experts in the field, and include copies of their CVs.

If currently in U.S., provide the following:  

• DS-2019(s)/IAP-66(s) and/or waiver, if applicable;  
• Copy of I-797 Approval notice of Current Status; and  
• If currently working for another employer as O-1, please provide copies of all O-1 approval notices.

EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY CATEGORIES EVIDENCE – at least three required.

For O1A:

• Receipt of major nationally or internationally recognized awards or prizes;
• Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members;
• Evidence of the beneficiary’s prior employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
• Copies of articles, papers and other publications authored by the employee;
• Evidence of judging the work of others;
• Article(s) written about employee’s work;
• Evidence of original contributions;
• Evidence of the beneficiary’s high salary within the field; or
• Other evidence.

For O1B:

• Evidence that the beneficiary has performed and will perform as a lead or starring participant in productions or events that have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or endorsements;
• Evidence that the beneficiary has achieved national or international recognition for achievements in the field as evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
• Evidence that the beneficiary has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, and other occupational achievements reported in publications;
• Evidence that the beneficiary has received significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts;
• Evidence that the beneficiary commands or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services in relation to others in the field; or
• Evidence that the beneficiary has performed and will perform in a lead or starring role for organizations that have a distinguished reputation.

IMMIGRATION DOCUMENTS:

• If a student, include I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status; and
• Any other immigration related documents showing a previous immigration visa or current valid immigration status.
• TRANSLATED DOCUMENTS

All foreign documents should be translated into English by someone who is sufficient as required by USCIS.

AFTER USCIS APPROVAL WHEN APPLYING FOR O-VISA WHILE IN THE U.S. – APPLYING FOR VISA AT CONSULATE

• The visa interview appointment letter;
• The DS-160 visa application confirmation page;
• The DS-160 visa application fee receipt;
• A valid passport with at least 6 months left prior to its expiry;
• Any old passports;
• Most recent resume or CV;
• Two recent color photographs of your face;
• The I-797 approval notice from USCIS; and
• Copy of O-Visa Packet submitted to USCIS.