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O-1 Visa for Extraordinary Ability

For individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics — backed by sustained acclaim and recognition. No annual cap, no lottery. Often the strongest path for founders, researchers, and creatives.

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Requirements

What you need to qualify

01 Demonstrated extraordinary ability via at least 3 of 8 USCIS criteria
02 U.S. employer or agent sponsor
03 Specific job, project, or events in the U.S.
04 Advisory opinion from a peer group or labor union (if applicable)
05 Evidence of sustained national or international acclaim

Use cases

Specific guides for your situation

Use case · O-1A + Founder

O-1A Visa for Startup Founders Moving to the U.S.

A practical playbook for technology and startup founders building the O-1A case — what counts as evidence, how to engineer the criteria, and what to do when YC, raises, and press are part of the story.

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