O-1 extraordinary ability
For people with demonstrated national or international acclaim. No annual cap and no lottery, which makes it the most reliable work route for those who can meet the evidentiary bar.
Who it is for. People with sustained acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
Worth knowing. The regulations list criteria — awards, published material about you, original contributions of major significance, high remuneration — of which several must be met. It is an evidentiary route, not a credential one.
- Income required
- Not stated
- Savings required
- Not stated
- Investment required
- None
- Application fee
- Not stated
- Processing time
- 30–180 days
- Permission lasts
- 36 months
- Permanent residence
- After 2 years
- Citizenship
- After 5 years
Renewable
Sources
Worth knowing. The regulations list criteria — awards, published material about you, original contributions of major significance, high remuneration — of which several must be met. It is an evidentiary route, not a credential one.
Check this against
- USCIS — status categories, forms and processing times (opens in a new tab)U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services · National immigration authority