CAN YOU PAY FOR YOUR O-1 VISA?
If you are applying for an O-1 visa, you may be wondering whether you can cover the costs yourself. The answer is yes—you can pay for your own O-1 visa, including filing fees, legal fees, and advisory opinion fees. While some employer-sponsored visas require the employer to cover certain costs, the O-1 visa allows the applicant to pay for their own application expenses.
Understanding the costs involved in the O-1 visa process can help you plan your budget and ensure a smooth application.
What Costs Can You Pay for an O-1 Visa?
Filing Fees
Every O-1 visa application requires a Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), which must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Premium Processing Fees (Optional)If you need faster processing, you can pay for premium processing, which guarantees USCIS will process the petition within 15 calendar days. The cost for premium processing is $2,805.
Legal Fees
Many applicants choose to work with an immigration attorney to prepare a strong O-1 visa petition. Attorney fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the case. These fees cover:
Advisory Opinion Fees
For O-1 visa applicants in fields like arts, entertainment, and athletics, an advisory opinion from a peer group, labor union, or management organization is required. Fees for these opinions vary, but they typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the organization.
Who Pays for the O-1 Visa?
While some employers may choose to cover the costs of an O-1 visa, it is not required. This means that:
Unlike other work visas that may require employer sponsorship for fee payments, the O-1 visa allows applicants to cover their own costs, including filing fees, attorney fees, and advisory opinion fees. Whether you are applying through an employer, agent, or as an independent contractor, you have full flexibility to pay for your own application.
If you are considering an O-1 visa, budgeting for these costs and working with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure a successful application.
Need help with your O-1 visa? Contact us today for expert legal guidance!
Understanding the costs involved in the O-1 visa process can help you plan your budget and ensure a smooth application.
What Costs Can You Pay for an O-1 Visa?
Filing Fees
Every O-1 visa application requires a Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker), which must be submitted to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Premium Processing Fees (Optional)If you need faster processing, you can pay for premium processing, which guarantees USCIS will process the petition within 15 calendar days. The cost for premium processing is $2,805.
Legal Fees
Many applicants choose to work with an immigration attorney to prepare a strong O-1 visa petition. Attorney fees can range from $5,000 to $15,000, depending on the complexity of the case. These fees cover:
- Reviewing and preparing documentation
- Assisting with gathering supporting evidence
- Drafting letters of recommendation
- Responding to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) if needed
Advisory Opinion Fees
For O-1 visa applicants in fields like arts, entertainment, and athletics, an advisory opinion from a peer group, labor union, or management organization is required. Fees for these opinions vary, but they typically range from $250 to $500, depending on the organization.
Who Pays for the O-1 Visa?
While some employers may choose to cover the costs of an O-1 visa, it is not required. This means that:
- You can pay for your own O-1 visa filing fees, legal fees, and advisory opinion fees.
- Your employer or sponsor is not legally required to cover these costs, though they may choose to do so.
- Self-employed individuals or those working through an agent can also pay for their own O-1 visa application.
Unlike other work visas that may require employer sponsorship for fee payments, the O-1 visa allows applicants to cover their own costs, including filing fees, attorney fees, and advisory opinion fees. Whether you are applying through an employer, agent, or as an independent contractor, you have full flexibility to pay for your own application.
If you are considering an O-1 visa, budgeting for these costs and working with an experienced immigration attorney can help ensure a successful application.
Need help with your O-1 visa? Contact us today for expert legal guidance!
MEET YOUR NEW ATTORNEY
Marcus Yi, Esq. provides personalized immigration law representation for both employment and family based immigration matters. An artist himself, Mr. Yi understands the unique nature of the arts industry, and is fully qualified to provide the best service for artists seeking to work in the United States.
He has represented corporations, non-profit organizations, and individuals, in the process of obtaining temporary visas for work, study and training, lawful permanent residence (a “green card”) and U.S. citizenship. He advises employers and individuals on all phases of immigration applications, from screening prospective hires to identifying visa strategies for new jobs and career transitions, through employment-based paths to permanent residence and naturalization.
Marcus Yi graduated from St John’s University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate degree in 2011. He is a member of the New York State Bar and is licensed to practice in State and Federal court. He is also a NYC member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association New York Chapter.
CONTACT US
Immigration law can be convoluted and complex. At the Law Offices of Marcus Yi, we are devoted to guiding you through US immigration law so contact us today to schedule a consultation.