O1 visa qualification

Extraordinary ability is required

It requires too many documents (the most difficult part is to provide 5-7 recommendation letters from professionals — preferably independent researchers ). If you have some published papers and they are cited, it is really helpful to prove your Extraordinary Ability. It takes few months to collect all documents, but when submitted to USCIS, the petitioner (company) can request for premium processing to receive the outcome within 15 days.

Generally it’s extraordinary ability which includes but not necessarily needing all: 1) executive or elevated title level 2) has patents and/or has invented/built something compelling. Engineers especially. 3) is an expert in their field - and perhaps has given talks, been on panels, or invited to speak at industry events.

wining awards, articles about my work, authoring pieces in magazines, judging for an award, speaking at conferences

Generally, to qualify for O-1A classification, aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing evidence of: Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or at least three of the following forms of documentation: 1. Documentation of the individual's receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor; 2. Documentation of the individual's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields; 3. Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the individual, relating to the individual's work in the field for which classification is sought, which shall include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation; 4. Evidence of the individual's participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization to that for which classification is sought; 5. Evidence of the individual's original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field; 6. Evidence of the individual's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media; 7. Evidence that the individual has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation; 8. Evidence that the individual has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence. To qualify for an O-1A visa, an applicant must provide documents proving extraordinary ability. Examples of proof of extraordinary ability include nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence, membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements, and articles written by or about the applicant. To supplement these materials, employer may submit letters signed by experts in the applicant's field attesting to the applicant's extraordinary ability in that field. (From: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/O_visa) All of this sounds pretty intimidating. Having a good law firm that specializes in visa applications will help a bunch as they know how to navigate the requirements. Good luck!

I have a guy that got me an 01 visa at age 25, no phd, just an undergrad and my accomplishments w my current startup ($1m seed round SaaS) DM if you want an intro he’s taking on new clients and a free consult