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O-1 Status

 is for individuals who demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim for extraordinary ability in sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.

Eligibility & Supporting Documentation

Individuals coming temporarily to the United States to continue work in their area of extraordinary ability may qualify for O-1 visa status. The VISA Office will need to make an assessment and determine O-1 status eligibility. This typically requires receipt of a major, internationally recognized award (e.g., the Nobel Prize) or at least three of the following forms of documentation:

  • Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
  • Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;
  • Evidence the individual has published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the the individual, relating to their work in the field for which the classification is sought, which shall include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation;
  • Evidence of the individual’s original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
  • Evidence of the individual's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals or other major media;
  • Evidence the individual has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
  • Evidence the individual has commanded a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

Below, please find a few key notes on O-1 status and petitions.

  1. An initial petition period cannot exceed three (3) years.
  2. If the O-1 applicant is currently in J-1 visa status and the individual is subject to the two-year home residence requirement, they are required to depart the U.S. and apply for an O-1 visa at a U.S. Consulate abroad--they cannot change status to O-1 inside the U.S.
  3. The petition must include peer group/individual consultation from practitioners in the beneficiary’s field.

For additional information regarding O-1 visa status, visit the .

How to Begin the O-1 Visa Process

  1. Email the VISA Office at  as soon as possible for an initial determination on eligibility. 
  2. Secure initial appointment for at least one year but not more than three years (Dean’s letter of appointment).
  3. Create a sponsorship request in the TDS portal. 
  4. Complete the O-1 Request Form and upload to the portal. 

Please note that O-1 petitions, including extensions, will be prepared by outside immigration counsel. We will forward the O-1 request and other supporting documentation to them for processing, and they will reach out to the employee and department contact to obtain additional information. 

The Department is responsible for payment of legal and filing fees associated with the O-1. The Department must also agree to pay the reasonable costs of the employee's return transportation to their home country in the event the employee is involuntarily terminated before the O-1 expires.

If you have any questions about the O-1 process, please email the VISA Office at visa@case.edu.