Office of the Provost
O-1 Visa for "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability"
The O-1 nonimmigrant visa category is for: foreign nationals of "extraordinary ability" in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics; certain individuals accompanying or assisting them; and their family members. It can be used for faculty or staff positions. The employer must submit substantial documentation to the USCIS as evidence of the individual's extraordinary ability. The USCIS must approve the employer's petition before the foreign national can be employed or receive compensation.
Qualifying for the O-1 Visa
Under federal law there are three different standards for the O-1 category: 1) the most exacting standard applies to those individuals in the sciences, education, business and athletics; 2) a much less rigorous standard applies to individuals in the arts; and 3) an intermediate standard applies to individuals in the motion picture or TV industries.
This O-1 visa category is reserved for those individuals who have risen to the very top of their fields of endeavor and can provide documentary evidence to substantiate this claim. To qualify for O-1 visa status, an individual in the sciences, education, business or athletics must demonstrate national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise.
If you think that the foreign national you intend to hire will qualify
for this visa category, please contact the Office of the Provost for additional
information.