H1B vs O-1 Visa Comparison 2026

Full H1B vs O-1 visa comparison. No lottery, no annual cap for O-1. See if you qualify for O-1A extraordinary ability with the 8-criterion test.

What This Tool Shows You

O-1A: no lottery, no annual cap, no prevailing wage requirement
O-1A requires extraordinary ability, demonstrated by awards, publications, high salary, press coverage
Must meet 3 of 8 USCIS criteria to qualify for O-1A
O-1 is employer/agent specific, requires a new petition to change sponsors
O-1 is not dual-intent, aggressively pursuing green card can jeopardize O-1 renewals