Advantages

• US O-1 visas can allow you to stay in the USA for an unlimited amount of time.
• You can apply for an O-1 at any time of the year without participating in a quota lottery, which is required, for example, for an H-1B visa.
• You can qualify for an O-1 visa without a high school or college degree.
• Unlike the H-1B visa, there is no minimum salary requirement for the O-1 visa.
• For an additional fee of $2805, you can get a decision within 15 calendar days.
• An O-1 holder can bring their spouses and minor children (under 21 years) to the USA on an O-3 visa, and professional assistants on an O-2 visa.
• Flexible working arrangements. You can have your own company, be employed by an organization or work with an agent.

Types of the US O-1 visa

There are two O-1 categories:

1. O-1 A visa is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.

2. O-1B visa is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.

Requirements

There are two ways to qualify for an O-1A visa:

1. You must be a recipient of a significant national or international award, such as the Nobel Prize.
2. Or meet at least three of the eight criteria of outstanding abilities.

O-1A criteria for outstanding ability:

• Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards. You have received significant awards in your field.
• Employment in a critical or essential capacity. You have held an important position in a well-known company.
• Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about you. You were featured in publications or interviews in the national or international press.
• Judging on a panel, or individually, of the work of others. You have served as a judge in a professional contest in your field.
• Membership in associations. You are a member of a professional organization or community.
• High salary. You have received a high salary or owned a significant share in a company.
• Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals, or other major media. You have been an author or co-author of publications in major or industry media or academic journals.
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance. You have made a significant contribution to the development of your industry, for example, patents or there are publications about your work and projects.

To qualify for O-1B you have to either 

1. Be a recipient of a significant national or international award or prize, such as Grammy.
2. Or meet at least three of the following six criteria of extraordinary abilities.

O-1B criteria for extraordinary abilities 

• Previous or future performance as a lead or starring participant in reputable events or performance. This has to be evidenced by critical reviews, ads, public releases, or contracts.
• Proof of national or international recognition of your work. You have to show publications by or about you in major newspapers and magazines.
• Publications and testimonials proving your previous or future performance in a lead, starring, or critical role for prestigious companies or organizations.
• Major commercial or critically acclaimed successes. You have to provide ratings, box office receipts, or publications in trade journals and major newspapers.
• Evidence of your recognition in a form of testimonials from recognized experts, critics, industry leaders, or important organizations.
• Proof of receiving a high salary or other remuneration.