O-1A Visa Immigration Legal Services
Be more flexible. Have less time pressure. Don’t be controlled by your employer. The O-1A is a fast-track for those at the top of their field.
91%
of O-1 petitions approved through Q1 of fiscal year 2026*
The O-1 has a high approval rate. Manifest Law’s analysis of the latest USCIS data in June appears to show that roughly 91% of O-1 petitions were approved through the first quarter of fiscal year 2026. This covers the O-1 category as a whole, rather than splitting the figure between the O-1A and O-1B tracks.
A high approval rate does not mean approval is automatic. These cases are still reviewed closely, and the outcome depends on the strength of your evidence and how well your file is built.
The O-1A visa is awarded based on accomplishments, not luck
Known as the visa for individuals with extraordinary ability, the O-1A is ideal for accomplished startup founders, scientists, researchers, academics, executives, and others who are world-class.
Instead of a lottery, it’s granted on evidence: proof that you’re among the best at what you do. It’s initially valid for up to three years, renewable for 1 to 3 year increments with no limit, and often becomes a stepping stone toward an EB-1A green card down the line, which has a higher bar but similar requirements.
The O-1B requires a U.S. employer or agent to petition on your behalf, and a U.S. agent can represent multiple employers or projects at once.
You don’t need to be famous to qualify!
The real question isn’t “Am I extraordinary enough?” It’s “Which of the things I’ve already done give me the leverage to take control?”
Qualifying is more achievable than you may think
For the O-1A, you qualify by showing a single major internationally recognized award, or by meeting at least three of the following eight criteria.
You may already have several of these categories covered, in which case the main thing you need is to explain your accomplishments to USCIS in a way that makes it difficult for them to deny your application.
1
Nationally or internationally recognized awards/prizes for excellence
2
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement
3
Published material about your work in media or trade publications
4
Judging the work of others on a panel, at conferences, and grant reviews
5
Original contributions of major significance in your field
6
Authorship of scholarly articles in your field, open source work, white papers, or patent filings
7
A critical role for organizations with a distinguished reputation, or a critical role for non-traditional organizations
8
A high salary or other high pay compared to others in your field, or for startup founders, evidence of equity or funding
Nearly every O-1 petition requires an advisory opinion, a written consultation from a peer group or a person with expertise in your field. In rare cases, if no appropriate peer group exists, this requirement can be waived.
The O-1A has been approved for a wide range of experts
Founders & Executives
Startup Founders, Business Leaders, Executives
Technology & Product
Software Engineers, Designers, Product Leaders
Science & Academia
Researchers, PhDs, Academics
Sports
Athletes, Coaches
Less Obvious Roles
Pilots, Senior Clinical Social Workers
Ben needed to move across the Atlantic. Manifest built his O-1 petition against the clock.
“I handed them a lot of information…they were able to take all of that, understand it, and output a thousand page document in the space and time that they did. I honestly have no idea how they did. I can’t say anything but immense praise and gratitude.”
Ben Carey
Approved O-1A Visa
Individual results vary. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases
The exact steps for getting your O-1A
The O-1A process follows a clear path, though the timeline depends on how much evidence you already have. Here are the typical steps.
01
Manifest Quiz & Attorney Consult
1–3 days
Start with our free quiz. We’ll assess your eligibility and, if you’re eligible, book your free consultation.
During the consult, you can share your story, get personalized guidance on your case, and make sure it’s the right fit before you commit.
02
Evidence Collection
3–6 weeks
You’ll get a personalized document checklist and access to our secure client portal. With guidance from your attorney and an evidence coach* if needed, you’ll upload materials that showcase your achievements and impact. See your case progress live, watch what your lawyer is working on, and message your lawyer directly through the portal.
03
Petition Drafting, Review & Filing
4–6 weeks · varies by case
Your O-1 visa attorney drafts the full petition, including letters, a personal statement, and a cover memo. Depending on the plan you choose, your case is then reviewed by a second attorney or former USCIS officer to ensure it’s strategically sound.
04
Petition Decision
15 business days (premium) · 2 months+ (standard)
After final review, we file your case with USCIS. Processing times are dependent on USCIS, but premium processing can guarantee a decision within 15 business days.
*Disclaimer: Working with an evidence development coach does not guarantee approval of your case.
The O-1A visa can earn you freedom, flexibility, and prepare you for Extraordinary Ability Green Card applications. Getting the details and presentation right is how you can improve your approval odds.
Ana Gabriela Urizar
Immigration Attorney
10+ years of experience
Manifest Law was founded by immigrants, with the purpose of addressing our shared frustrations
OUR QUALITY BAR
Only the Top 1% of Attorney Applicants Are Selected
Every Manifest attorney goes through a selective, multi-stage hiring process. When you engage us for an appeal, you’re getting an attorney who was chosen for how they think and how they write — not just who was available.
INSTANT INSIGHTS
Real-Time Intelligence, Always Up-to-Date
We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving USCIS expectations. Our attorneys receive ongoing training based on the latest adjudication patterns, and we work with experienced advisors to refine our strategies in real time — so your case benefits from what’s working right now.
TOTAL TRANSPARENCY
Seamless communication, fast response times
Track your case preparation progress and receive real-time notifications and updates from your legal team via the Manifest portal. We closely monitor trends in approvals and denials to stay ahead of evolving USCIS expectations.
DEEP EXPERTISE
Multi-layer reviews with former USCIS advisors
Every case goes through a structured, multi-level review process by experienced immigration professionals. On select plans, petitions can be reviewed by former USCIS officers to pressure-test the petition before it’s filed.
Pricing that’s fair and crystal-clear
Our goal is simple: complete transparency. Every O-1A case is handled on a flat-fee basis—no hidden charges, and no surprises. You’ll know exactly what’s included from day one, with the flexibility to choose the level of support that fits your needs.
Silver
$6,999
Your experienced attorney files your case, with clear communication and transparency every step of the way.
What’s included:
O-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Gold
$8,500
Looking for more peace of mind? Get a 60% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
O-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
60% refund or free refile*. Read T&Cs here.
Platinum
$10,500
Our most comprehensive plan: Thorough review by an Former USCIS officer and an 100% money back guarantee*.
What’s included:
O-1 filing
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
Free refile + Up to 100%*. Read T&Cs here.
Reviewed by Former USCIS officer
Diamond
$12,500
For eligible clients. Everything in one plan — including all RFEs and NOIDs.
What’s included:
O-1 filing
All RFE / NOIDs included
Live case tracking
2-chair legal review
Guaranteed timelines personalized to your case*
Key Advantage:
Free refile + Up to 100%*. Read T&Cs here.
Reviewed by Former USCIS officer
Evidence Development Coaching*
Silver Plan: $1,000
Diamond, Platinum, & Gold Plan: Free
Many talented clients fall just short of the criteria — not because they lack ability, but because they haven’t yet developed the right kind of supporting evidence. Add on our Evidence Development program to help strengthen your case.
Whichever route fits your situation, the fee is agreed before we start. Here is what each one is for and who it tends to work for.
Do you want a green card or a visa?
Show all
Green card
Visa
Self-sponsored or employer-sponsored?
Show all
Self-sponsored
Employer-sponsored
Work Visas
Employment and work visas
O-1A Visa
O-1B Visa
H-1B Visa
TN Visa
L-1 Visa
E-2 Visa
Green Cards
Employment-based permanent residence
EB-1 Visa
EB-2 NIW Visa
EB-2 PERM Visa
EB-3 Visa
EB-5 Visa
Family & Other
Family petitions & case support
Marriage Green Card
Family Green Card
K-1 Fiancé Visa
RFE Response
NOID Response
Our clients love us because we genuinely want to help
B
Ben Carey
6 reviews · 5 photos
2 months ago
I had an excellent experience working with Manifest Law on my O-1A petition.
Earlier this year, I suddenly found myself under an extremely tight timeline and needed to pull together a very substantial case in a short space of time. It was easily one of the most stressful periods of my life, and Avalon and her team wer…
S
Shreya Kanther
4 reviews · 2 photos
2 months ago
I am extremely grateful to Manifest Law and Attorney Guilherme Zaia for their outstanding support throughout my O-1A visa process. From day one, Guilherme and his team were highly professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in my case. They took the time to understand my background, guided me through every step of the process, and made what initiall…
L
Laura Romero
6 reviews
5 months ago
I would like to share my experience with Manifest Law and my attorney, Carmiann Cespedes. She supported me through both my O-1 visa extension and my EB-2 NIW case. Her work is exceptional, she conducts thorough research, takes the time to understand your background, and identifies your strongest qualifications with great care.…
Individual results vary. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes in future cases
A few minutes could tell you whether the O-1A is a fit, and what taking control could look like. No commitment.
Prior approvals do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.