The O-1 was designed for people who have risen to the very top of their field. Scientists, founders, artists, athletes, filmmakers — if your work speaks for itself, we'll make sure USCIS hears it.
The O-1 is a nonimmigrant work visa for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field — not a general threshold, but proven excellence. Unlike the H-1B, it has no cap and no lottery. The petition can be filed by a US employer, a US-based agent, or your own US entity if you're self-employed or freelance.
Not sure which applies to you? Most founders and tech professionals qualify under O-1A. Creative professionals in arts or entertainment typically fall under O-1B. Our free assessment tells you exactly where you stand.
You don't need to satisfy every criterion — just demonstrate sustained excellence across the ones that fit your body of work. Most strong applicants meet 3 or 4.
Must satisfy at least 3 of the following 8 criteria, or provide evidence of a one-time achievement (e.g., a major internationally recognized award).
Must satisfy at least 3 of the following 6 criteria, or provide evidence of distinction (e.g., a lead role in a critically acclaimed production).
We don't just file paperwork. We build the legal argument that maps your record onto each USCIS criterion — and make sure the adjudicator sees exactly what they need to approve.
Start with a free consult →We score your case across all O-1 criteria before you pay a dollar — so you know exactly where you stand before committing.
Your attorney identifies which criteria you satisfy, flags gaps, and builds a targeted evidence plan to strengthen every angle of your case.
We write the complete I-129 petition and legal brief — the argument that connects your record to each USCIS criterion. You review every page.
We draft letter templates pre-structured around the criteria each supporter is meant to address — so your recommenders can focus on substance.
If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, we respond — fully, at no extra cost. Our RFE-to-approval rate on supported petitions exceeds 90%.
When your visa is up for renewal or you change employers, we handle the amended petition and any new filings quickly and efficiently.
| Feature | O-1 Visa ✦ | H-1B | EB-1A | EB-2 NIW |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Nonimmigrant work visa | Nonimmigrant work visa | Immigrant (Green Card) | Immigrant (Green Card) |
| Annual cap | No cap | 85,000/year | No cap | Country backlog |
| Lottery required | No lottery | Yes | No lottery | No lottery |
| Employer sponsor required | Petitioner needed (can be self) | Required | Self-petition | Self-petition |
| Dual intent allowed | Yes | Yes | Yes (Green Card) | Yes (Green Card) |
| Standard processing | 3–4 months (2 wks premium) | 3–6 months | 6–18 months | 12–24+ months |
| Validity period | 3 years + unlimited extensions | 3 years, up to 6 | Permanent | Permanent |
| Difficulty to obtain | High — requires proven excellence | Moderate (lottery risk) | Very high | High |
A well-built O-1 petition takes 6–10 weeks from start to filing. Here's exactly what happens, and when.
Answer 12 questions about your career, recognition, and background. Our system scores your case across all 8 O-1A criteria (or 6 O-1B criteria) and gives you a clear probability score — before you pay anything.
Your assigned attorney reviews your full record and schedules a 60-minute strategy call. Together you identify which criteria you satisfy, what evidence gaps exist, and how to fill them. We build your evidence package: recommendation letters, press coverage, contracts, citation data, expert opinions.
Your attorney writes the full I-129 petition and supporting brief — the legal argument that maps your record to each criterion. You review every page. Most petitions go through 2–3 revision rounds before filing.
Your attorney files with USCIS — either standard (3–4 months) or premium processing (15 business days). We track your case in real time and handle any Requests for Evidence (RFEs) at no additional cost. When the approval notice arrives, we walk you through next steps.
| Phase | Standard | Premium Processing |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment & strategy call | 1–2 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
| Evidence collection & petition drafting | 4–8 weeks | 4–8 weeks |
| USCIS processing after filing | 3–4 months | 15 business days |
| Total estimated timeline | ~5–6 months | ~8–10 weeks |
Three tiers to fit your situation. All plans include a dedicated attorney, full petition drafting, and unlimited revisions. USCIS filing fees are separate.
For professionals with a strong, straightforward case. Full attorney support, start to finish.
For professionals who want maximum support and the strongest possible petition from day one.
For complex cases — multiple employers, employment gaps, or a simultaneous EB-1A green card strategy.
A full breakdown of legal and government fees so there are no surprises. Government fees are paid directly to USCIS — not to Faircase.
I had a strong research record but no idea how to translate seven years of academic work into something USCIS would understand. Faircase didn't just file a petition — they built a case.
As a filmmaker without an agent or studio, I assumed O-1B wasn't for me. My attorney helped me realize my festival circuit and distribution deals were exactly what USCIS looks for.
I got an RFE on my first attempt with a different firm. Faircase rebuilt the petition from scratch and got the approval in six weeks. The difference was the quality of the legal brief — night and day.
The answers to the questions immigration lawyers usually charge a consultation fee to answer. Don't see yours here? We're happy to help.
Contact usAn O-1 attorney reviews your background and tells you exactly where you stand — no commitment, no charge.