🇺🇸United States
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Sponsor-required but employer-flexible work visa for top performers in arts, sciences, business or athletics.
Required documents
- ·Evidence of awards, publications, press, salary, peer judging, etc. (3 of 8 criteria)
- ·US sponsor or agent contract
Things to know
- ·No annual cap; can be filed any time of year.
- ·EB-1A is a self-petitioned green card based on similar criteria.
Apostille & legalization
Apostille routeApostille only — both United States and United States are parties to the 1961 Hague Apostille Convention.
Apostille / legalisation
None of the listed documents are civil-status, criminal-record, medical or academic records, so an apostille is generally not required for this visa. Bank statements, employment contracts and application forms are accepted as-is (translated when needed).
Bank statements, employment contracts, photos, passport copies and the application form itself do not need an apostille.
- Obtain originals or certified copies of each civil/criminal record (birth certificate, marriage certificate, police clearance, diploma, etc.).
- Have each document apostilled by the competent authority in United States (U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications).
- Translate the apostilled document into the official language of United States — the apostille itself is also translated.
- Submit the apostilled + translated bundle directly to the United States immigration authority or consulate; no further consular stamp is required.
Translation: Most documents must be translated into the local language by a certified translator. Agency translations are usually accepted.
Issuing authority in United States: U.S. Department of State — Office of Authentications
Documents older than 3–6 months are often rejected. Plan to obtain fresh originals shortly before your visa application.
Last verified 31 May 2026 — reconfirm on the official portal before applying.
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