O-1 WORKERS OF EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
DEFINITION
: As it pertains to professors and researchers, O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Science, Education, Business, or Athletics) category applies to an individual who is one of a small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor and who is coming temporarily to the United States to continue to work within the individual's field of extraordinary ability or achievement.
This is an employer-based category and, accordingly, requires an offer of employment. (See
Sample of Employment Letter
*. Please note that O-1 category requires sustained national or international acclaim. Accordingly, this requirement excludes:
1. Individuals of extraordinary ability who have not yet achieved the necessary significant recognition of their ability
2. Individuals with short-lived achievements
EVIDENCE REQUIREMENTS:
The prospective beneficiary of an O-1 petition in the Science, Education, Business, or Athletics may prove sustained national or international acclaim by submitting the following evidence.
(A)
Receipt of a major internationally recognized award such as the Nobel Prize, or by documenting at least 3 of the following:
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Receipt of a nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
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Membership in associations in the academic field, which require outstanding achievements of their members;
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Published material in professional or major trade publications newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and his/her work in the field;
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Participation on a panel, or individually, as the judge of the work of others in the same or an allied academic field;
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Authorship of scholarly books or articles, in scholarly journals or other major media in the academic field;
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A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence;
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Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.
(B)
Affidavits written by present and former employers and recognized experts certifying to the recognition and extraordinary ability of the beneficiary.
DOCUMENTATION REQUEST:
Please complete the following forms:
DURATION OF STAY:
An initial period of 3 years with 1-year extensions thereafter.
DEPENDENTS:
O-1 dependents are classified as O-3. They are not eligible for employment. If dependents are located in the United States a change of status to O-3 category is completed on Form
I-539
and filed together with the principal's O-1 petition. Form I-539 must be completed by the principal and signed by the dependent. If located outside the United States, O-3 category is granted at the United States Consulate.
Before submitting any paper work to IFSS read carefully
Instructions Concerning General Petition Processing Procedures
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Note: Access to some of these
documents is restricted to TAMU
employers or hosts of visiting
scholars only. If you are a TAMU
employer/host and do not have an
authorization password, please
contact IFSS at (979) 862-1719.
