O-1 Visa Fees (2025): How Much Does an Exceptional Talent Visa Cost?

• FRONT JANUARY 9, 2025 / IN BLOGS, O1 VISA, TR

Ergül Çeliksoy, Immigration Lawyer, CK Law Firm

The O-1 visa, commonly known as the extraordinary talent visa, is a type of visa granted to individuals with extraordinary abilities in specific fields who wish to work in the United States. This visa is suitable for individuals with exceptional achievements in science, the arts, entertainment, sports, and business. However, it's important to be prepared before applying for the US O-1 visa. Many experts should also be familiar with the O-1 visa fees. In this article, I'll cover the following topics along with the O-1 visa fee:

• What are the O-1 Visa Requirements?
• How Much Is the O-1 Visa Application Fee?
• Additional Costs for O-1 Visa Application
• Is it possible to reduce O-1 visa costs?

In this article, I cover the details and key points regarding the O1 visa fee. Feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments section of this blog or on our website. You can also connect with me on LinkedIn for any other questions.

What are the O-1 Visa Requirements?

The O-1 visa requirements are based on the applicant's ability to demonstrate extraordinary abilities. This is where the evidence for the O-1A and O-1B visas differs. You can also review our article, "O-1 Visa Ekşi: A Beginner's Guide," for a detailed review of the O-1 visa.

O-1A Visa Application Requirements

Applicants for the O-1A visa must meet certain criteria. Possessing some of the following characteristics provides a significant advantage in the visa application process:

• Having received important awards at international or national levels in their field or having a career that has earned these awards,
• Being a member of associations or organizations that require high-level success,
• News about the candidate's achievements must have been published in professional journals, major trade publications, or media outlets,
• Having served as a referee for scientific, academic or artistic studies or having participated in such evaluation processes individually or as a team member,
• Having undertaken groundbreaking original work or innovations in the field,
• Being recognized as the author of important scientific articles or sectoral reports,
• Having held critical positions in distinguished organizations and having carried high responsibilities in these positions,
• Working at a level that demands a high salary or significant financial rewards compared to other professionals in the industry.

O-1B Visa Application Requirements

Applicants for the O-1B visa must demonstrate extraordinary talent in the arts, film, or television. Applicants are eligible if they meet some of the following criteria:

• Having a leading role in prestigious productions or events and having this supported by reviews, promotional materials, contracts or endorsements,
• Holding a prominent or leading position in organizations with a distinguished reputation, and documenting this through articles in newspapers, trade magazines or publications,
• Having gained national or international recognition and having this success featured in important newspapers, trade magazines or other professional publications,
• Proving the commercial success of the projects they worked on through ratings, box office revenue or critic reviews,
• Receiving letters of appreciation and reference from recognized authorities, critics or professional organizations regarding their competence and success in their field,
• Supported by contracts or other reliable evidence demonstrating that the applicant can demand high salaries or significant financial rewards.

How Much Is the Application Fee for an O-1 Visa?

The answer to the question "How much does an O-1 visa cost?" may vary depending on the basic application fees and additional service fees applicants must pay. The fees your sponsor must pay and the applicant's fees may also vary. However, the basic O-1 visa fees after the February 2024 changes are as follows:

Fees to be paid when filing Form I-129:

• For US nonprofits: $530
• For organizations with 25 or fewer full-time employees: $830 total, including a $530 basic application fee and a $300 Asylum Program fee.
• All other applications: $1,655, including a $1,055 basic application fee and a $600 Asylum Program fee.

Premium Processing Fee: This service, used to expedite applications, will cost $2,805 as of February 2024. This service is used for urgent applications and reduces USCIS's turnaround time to 15 days. For the latest developments, you can browse our News page and browse the news content.

Additional Costs for O-1 Visa Application

The fees for applying for an O-1 visa aren't limited to the petition fee to USCIS. Additional costs that may be encountered at various stages of the application process include:

• Consulting and Attorney Fees: Receiving professional support for your O-1 visa application is crucial for ensuring a correct and complete application. You can always contact us through our website for assistance.
• Visa Interview Fee: O-1 visa applicants must pay a separate fee for the visa interview at the U.S. consulate. The fee for the visa interview at the consulate is $190.
• Travel and Document Preparation: Additional costs include gathering, translating, and notarizing documents during the application process. However, these costs may vary depending on the applicant's situation.

Is it possible to reduce O-1 visa costs?

You can reduce your O-1 visa expenses by following certain strategies. It's especially important to seek professional support during this process to avoid additional costs. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses by preparing your documents thoroughly. Here are some suggestions for this process:

• If USCIS requests additional information or documentation, your application process may be extended and you may incur additional costs. Therefore, you should prepare your documents accurately before applying.
• Working with expert immigration attorneys for various visa applications, including the O1 Visa and other visa types, can both increase your chances of approval and reduce your costs. You can also connect with me personally on LinkedIn to discuss your visa process.
• Using the Premium processing service when not necessary can result in significant cost increases. If you're unsure about your application's processing time, you can contact us for assistance to ensure your process is managed effectively.
• There are different categories for the O-1 visa. Applying under the wrong category can result in visa rejection. This means unnecessary payments and additional expenses. Therefore, with professional support, you can apply by selecting the appropriate category.

Reducing your O-1 visa costs is possible with careful planning and following the right steps. Don't take any steps you're unsure about. If you have any questions, please contact us through our website. You can also contact me directly through my LinkedIn account with any questions you may have.