O-1 Visa
The O-1 temporary worker visa status is designated for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts, or athletics, as well as individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries.
Having extraordinary ability in the field of science, education, business, or athletics means a level of expertise indicating that you are one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of your field.
Learn about maintaining your O-1 status.
How to Apply If You Are Outside the United States
Your potential employer will need to file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) before you can apply for the visa.
Once the visa petition is approved by USCIS, Form I-797 will be mailed to you. You can find application instructions on the website of the U.S. Embassy/Consulate to which you will apply. Find Visa processing times.
With an O visa, you may be admitted to the United States for an initial period of stay of up to 3 years, plus a period of up to 10 days before the validity period begins and 10 days after the validity period ends. You may only engage in authorized employment during the validity period of the petition.
How to Apply If You Are Already in the United States
If you do not plan to leave the United States before changing to an O visa status, an application to the Partners Office for International Professionals and Students (PIPS) must be submitted by your U.S. hospital’s department. The PIPS office will file a change of status application with USCIS.
Required documentation:
- Evidence that you are recognized nationally and internationally as outstanding in your academic field
- A job offer letter stating what you will be doing and specifying the dates for which work authorization is being requested (no more than 3 years on initial applications and 1 year on all subsequent petitions)
- A written consultation/advisory opinions from a peer group or recognized expert in the field in your area of ability (an example might be a letter(s) of support from a renowned researcher(s) as evidenced by detailed curriculum vitae and publication)
How to Qualify
To qualify as an individual of extraordinary ability, you must show evidence that you received a major internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize, or at least 3 of the following:
- Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in your field
- Membership in associations in your field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized experts
- Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in your field, in professional journals or other major media
- Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about your work
- Evidence of participation on a panel, or individually, as the judge of the work of others in your field
- Evidence in the form of 5 or 6 letters from prominent colleagues who can confirm your original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance to your field
- Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation
- Evidence of high salary or other significantly high remuneration for services in relation to others in the field
Dependents (O-3)
If your spouse and/or children under age 21 are accompanying you or are going to join you in the U.S., they may be eligible to apply for an O-3 nonimmigrant visa, subject to the same period of admission and limitations as you.
Your spouse and children may not work in the United States under this classification, but they may engage in full-time or part-time study on an O-3 visa.