O-1 Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is a temporary visa specifically for individuals who have extraordinary ability or achievement in academics, arts, or athletics. In order to obtain an O-visa for an employee or a contract worker, the employer must demonstrate that the individual’s ability has earned national or international recognition. O-1 visas are granted for up to three years initially, however, the visas may be extended in single-year increments if the same work continues.

A sponsoring contractor or employer must demonstrate that the individual meets criteria such as:

• Received a major award, typically internationally recognized, such as a Nobel Prize
• Awarded a national prize for excellence in his or her academic field or profession
• Member of an academic or professional society that requires recommendation for membership based on exceptional achievement
• Authorship of professional or academic articles or books, or other major media productions of international acclaim
• Membership as a judge or panel determining the merit of a scholarly or professional achievement of others in the appropriate field
• Letters of recommendation from at least five prominent colleagues in the field which specify the individual’s contributions to the field