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Understanding the cost of the O-1 visa is essential for accurate financial planning. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) mandates several government fees. These include standard processing fees for O-1 petitions, optional premium processing fees to expedite service, and additional fees for any dependent family members applying concurrently. These government fees are fixed and do not vary based on the specific field in which you demonstrate extraordinary ability.

Form I-129 Petition Filing Fee

The O-1 Visa process begins with filing Form I-129, the Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker. USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) requires a $460 filing fee for this petition. The petitioner (the employer, agent, or representative) must submit this fee. The good news is that the fee is the same for all O-1 types, whether it's O-1A (for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the sciences, education, business, or sports) or O-1B (for those with extraordinary talent in the arts or major achievements in the film/TV industry).

Just a heads-up: USCIS doesn't offer fee waivers for Form I-129. You'll need to pay electronically using either Form G-1450 (for credit cards) or Form G-1650 (for ACH bank transfers). Generally, USCIS no longer accepts checks or money orders, except in a few specific situations. Make sure the payment amount is correct; sending the wrong amount will cause the petition to be rejected immediately.

Asylum Program Fee

Employers submitting Form I-129 must pay the Asylum Program Fee if they have 25 or more full-time employees. This fee supports USCIS asylum services and is applicable to all I-129 classifications. Small employers (fewer than 25 employees) and certain nonprofit organisations are exempt from this fee. The specific fee amount depends on the employer's size; use the official USCIS fee calculator to confirm the current amount.

Premium Processing Fee

March 2026 Fee Increase

USCIS offers optional O-1 Premium Processing to guarantee adjudication within 15 calendar days. Effective March 1, 2026, the fee increases from $2,805 to $2,965. This reflects inflation from June 2023 to June 2025. Petitions postmarked before March 1 cost $2,805; those postmarked on or after cost $2,965.

Processing Guarantee & Refunds

USCIS takes action within 15 calendar days: approval, RFE, NOID, denial, or investigation. If USCIS misses the deadline, fees are refunded, and expedited handling continues. Standard O-1 Processing Time ranges from 7.5 to 9 months. Premium processing is non-refundable except for missed deadlines. RFEs reset the 15-day clock.

O-3 Dependent Visa Fees

The O-3 visa category permits your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to join you. Each dependent must file Form I-539, which has a $370 filing fee. For example, the total dependent filing fees for a spouse and two children would be $1,110 (3 dependents × $370 each).

It is important to note that O-3 dependents are not authorised to work but may attend school. Please confirm the current requirements, as it is sometimes possible to include multiple family members on a single form.

DS-160 Visa Application Fee

For applicants outside the U.S., the O-1 visa application process at an embassy or consulate requires Form DS-160 and a $185 visa application fee, both payable to the Department of State. This fee is mandatory for each person, including O-3 dependents, and payment methods differ by country.

Note: Applicants who are changing their status within the U.S. are not required to pay this fee.

Payment Methods for USCIS Fees

The USCIS typically requires electronic payment for fees. You can use a credit/debit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover) with Form G-1450, or use a U.S. bank's Automated Clearing House (ACH) for payment with Form G-1650. Note that the daily credit card payment limit is $24,999.99, and payments from foreign banks are not accepted. If you qualify for an exemption from electronic payment, you must submit documentation using Form G-1651.

Source: This information is consistent with general USCIS payment guidelines. Always refer to the official USCIS website for the most current and specific instructions related to your application.

O-1 vs H-1B Government Fees Comparison

O-1 and O-1 vs H-1B have different fee structures. O-1 requires only the $460 base fee plus optional premium processing. H-1B involves additional mandatory fees: ACWIA ($750-$1,500), Fraud Prevention ($500), and potentially Public Law 114-113 ($4,000). O-1 government fees are lower, though petition complexity may be higher.

Total Government Fee Calculation

Complete example (family of three, premium, abroad): $4,905 total. These are pure government costs. Meeting O-1 Requirements requires comprehensive documentation beyond fee payment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can USCIS fees be waived for O-1?

No. USCIS does not waive Form I-129 fees. All petitioners must pay the full amounts.

What happens if payment is rejected?

USCIS rejects your petition. You must resubmit with the correct payment to resume processing.

Are USCIS fees refundable?

USCIS fees are non-refundable once accepted. Only premium processing fees are refunded if USCIS misses the 15-day deadline.

When does the new premium fee take effect?

March 1, 2026. Requests postmarked before use $2,805; on or after use $2,965.

How to pay from outside the U.S.?

Use Form G-1450 (credit card) or G-1650 (ACH). Only U.S. bank credit cards are accepted. Check international USCIS offices for location options.

Do extensions cost the same?

Yes. The $460 filing fee applies to initial petitions and extensions. Premium processing also costs the same.

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