The O-1 visa petition requires extraordinary ability in the arts, sciences, business, education, athletics, or the motion picture or television industry. You may prove your ability in the field by showing specific evidence of your qualifications and international recognition of your extraordinary ability and that you have received an internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize.  You can also document at least three of the following:

• Internationally or nationally recognized prizes or awards;
• Published material about your work;
• Membership in an association that requires members to have outstanding achievement;
• Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
• Authorship of scholarly articles published in any type of major media or professional journals;
• High salary or any other type of compensation;
• Participation on a panel, or as a judge for other people’s works;
• Evidence of past employment for organizations or establishments that have a high reputation.

If the above standards do not readily apply to the alien's occupation, you may submit comparable evidence in order to establish your eligibility. You will also need to provide a contract between you and your employer that describes the terms and conditions of services to be performed, or a summary of the terms of an oral agreement.  For specific events, you should provide a specific itinerary showing the schedule and ending date of events.

O-1 visa cannot be self-petitioned.  You require an employer to petition on your behalf.  An O-1 visa may be granted for up to three years.  O-1 visa status may be renewed in one year increments, or until the project is finished.  Spouses and dependents are eligible for O-3 visa status upon showing their familial relationship.