For those who want to work in the United States, obtaining a work visa is essential. One type of visa that is commonly used for this purpose is the O visa. However, before you apply for this visa, it’s important to understand the costs associated with it. This article will cover everything you need to know about O visa fees.
What is an O visa?
Before we dive into the fees associated with an O visa, let’s first discuss what it is. The O visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals with extraordinary abilities in certain fields to work in the United States for a temporary period of time. There are three types of O visas:
- O-1A: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, business, or athletics
- O-1B: For individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts, including television and motion pictures
- O-2: For individuals who will accompany an O-1 visa holder to assist in a specific event or performance
What are the fees for an O visa?
There are several fees associated with an O visa application. These fees are:
- Form I-129 Filing Fee: $460
- American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA) Fee: $750 or $1,500 depending on the size of the company
- Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: $500
- Optional Premium Processing Fee: $2,500 (if applicable)
In addition to these fees, if you are applying for an O visa outside of the United States, you may also be required to pay a visa issuance fee. This fee varies depending on your country of origin and the type of visa you are applying for. You can find more information about visa issuance fees on the U.S. Department of State website.
How to pay for O visa fees?
The easiest way to pay for O visa fees is by using a credit card. When you file your Form I-129, you will be prompted to pay the filing fee and any optional fees online. You can also pay the fees using a personal check or money order, but this will delay processing of your application.
Conclusion
Obtaining an O visa can be a great opportunity for individuals with extraordinary abilities in certain fields to work in the United States. However, it’s important to understand the fees associated with the application process before you begin. By knowing the costs upfront, you can properly budget and plan for your visa application. Good luck!
