Is there an annual cap or lottery for the O-1 visa?

Unlike the H-1B, the O-1 has no annual quota and no lottery. There is no cap season to wait for, and approvals are based on the merits of your evidence rather than chance.

This means a qualifying employer or agent can file Form I-129 for you whenever you are ready, and you are not competing for a limited number of slots.

Because approval depends on demonstrating extraordinary ability or achievement, the strength and organization of your evidence matters far more than timing.