O-1 Visa Fees (2025): How Much Does the Extraordinary Ability Visa Cost?

By Ergul Celiksoy, Immigration Attorney at CK Law Firm

The O-1 visa, commonly known as the extraordinary ability visa, is a special type of visa granted to individuals who wish to work in the United States and possess exceptional talents in specific fields. This visa is suitable for applicants with above-average achievements in science, arts, entertainment, sports, and business. However, it is essential to be well-prepared before applying for an O-1 visa. One of the most critical factors to consider during preparation is understanding the O-1 visa fees. In this article, I will cover the following topics related to the O-1 visa cost:

• What Are the Requirements for the O-1 Visa?
• How Much Is the O-1 Visa Application Fee?
• Additional Costs During the O-1 Visa Application Process
• Is It Possible to Reduce O-1 Visa Costs?

In this post, I will provide detailed information on the O-1 visa fees and highlight key points you need to consider. If you have any further questions beyond the topics covered here, feel free to leave a comment on this blog or reach out to us through our website. For other inquiries, you can also contact me directly via LinkedIn.

What Are the Requirements for the O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa requirements are primarily focused on the applicant’s ability to prove their extraordinary talent. At this point, the evidence required for the O-1A visa and the O-1B visa differs. For a detailed review of the O-1 visa, you can also check out our post titled “O-1 Visa Comments: A Beginner’s Guide.”

O-1A Visa Requirements

Applicants for the O-1A visa must meet specific criteria. Having some of the following qualifications can greatly improve the chances of a successful application:

• Possession of significant national or international awards or a career marked by winning such awards.
• Membership in associations or organizations that require outstanding achievements for admission.
• Publications or media coverage about the applicant’s achievements in professional journals, major commercial publications, or media outlets.
• Serving as a judge or panelist in evaluating the work of others in scientific, academic, or artistic fields.
• Original contributions or innovations in their field that have had a significant impact.
• Authorship of important scientific articles or industry reports.
• Holding critical roles in distinguished organizations and carrying significant responsibility.
• Earning a high salary or substantial compensation compared to others in their field.

O-1B Visa Requirements

Individuals applying for the O-1B visa must demonstrate extraordinary talent in arts, film, or television. Meeting some of the following criteria can qualify an applicant for this visa:

• Serving as a lead or starring role in distinguished productions or events, supported by reviews, promotional materials, contracts, or endorsements.
• Holding a significant or leading position in well-known organizations, with evidence from articles in newspapers, trade journals, or publications.
• Achieving national or international recognition, with coverage in major newspapers, trade magazines, or other professional publications.
• Demonstrating commercial success of their projects through ratings, box office earnings, or critical reviews.
• Receiving praise or recommendation letters from recognized experts, critics, or professional organizations.
• Having contracts or other reliable evidence showing that they command a high salary or significant financial compensation.

How Much Is the O-1 Visa Application Fee?

The answer to how much the O-1 visa costs depends on the basic application fees and additional service charges that applicants and sponsors are required to pay. The fees for sponsors may also vary depending on the type of organization. After the February 2024 fee changes, the O-1 visa fees are as follows:

Fees for Filing Form I-129:

• For U.S. non-profit organizations: $530
• For organizations with 25 or fewer full-time employees: $530 base fee plus a $300 Asylum Program fee, totaling $830
• For all other applicants: $1055 base fee plus a $600 Asylum Program fee, totaling $1655

Premium Processing Fee:

The fee for Premium Processing Service, used to expedite applications, is set at $2805 as of February 2024. This service is intended for urgent cases and reduces USCIS’s response time to 15 Federal business days.

Understanding these updated fees is crucial for planning your O-1 visa application. If you need further assistance or professional guidance to ensure a smooth application process, feel free to contact us.

Additional Costs During the O-1 Visa Application Process

The O1 visa fees are not limited to the petition fees paid to USCIS. Applicants may encounter additional costs during the application process, including:

• Consultation and Attorney Fees: Professional assistance from an immigration attorney can be crucial to ensure that the application is correctly and completely prepared. Attorney fees typically range from $2000 to $5000, depending on the firm and the scope of services provided.
• Visa Interview Fee: Applicants must pay a separate fee for the visa interview at the U.S. consulate. The interview fee is $190.
• Travel and Document Preparation Costs: Gathering documents, obtaining translations, and notarizing them can incur additional expenses. These costs vary depending on the applicant’s specific situation.

Is It Possible to Reduce O-1 Visa Costs?

It is possible to reduce O-1 visa costs by following certain strategies. Professional assistance during the application process can help avoid unnecessary expenses by ensuring that the documentation is complete and correct. Here are some tips for minimizing costs:

• Prepare Documents Accurately: If USCIS requests additional information or documents, the process may be delayed, and additional costs may arise. Preparing documents correctly before submission can help avoid these issues.
• Compare Consulting Firms: Working with experienced immigration attorneys or consulting firms can increase your chances of approval and reduce costs in the long run. Comparing the services and fees of different firms can help you find more affordable options.
• Consider Whether Premium Processing Is Necessary: While premium processing can expedite the process, it also adds significant cost. If you are not in urgent need of a decision, opting for the standard processing time can save money.
• Choose the Correct Category: The O-1 visa has different categories, and applying under the wrong category can result in rejection, leading to additional costs for reapplication. Seeking professional guidance can help ensure that you apply under the appropriate category.

Reducing O-1 visa costs is possible with careful planning and by taking the right steps. If you have any questions about the process, feel free to contact us through our website. You can also reach out to me directly on LinkedIn for personalized guidance.

The O-1 visa fees can vary depending on the basic application costs and additional expenses incurred during the process. Seeking professional support for your O-1 visa application can help streamline the process and reduce the risk of rejection. If you are planning to apply for an extraordinary ability visa, feel free to contact us for detailed information and assistance.