O-1 Extraordinary Ability
The O-1 temporary worker visa status is designated for individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics and individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) determines whether an individual qualifies for O-1 visa status. O-1 petitions may be applied for initially for up to 3 years and may be extended in one-year increments. In some circumstances KU will consider O-1 sponsorship.
To qualify for O-1 status as an individual of extraordinary ability a foreign national must show evidence of meeting at least three of the following criteria established by USCIS:
- Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.
- Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized experts in the field.
- Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media.
- Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the applicant's work.
- Evidence of participation on a panel, or individually, as the judge of the work of others in the field.
- Evidence in the form of 5 or 6 letters from prominent colleagues who can confirm the applicant's original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance to the field.
- Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.
- Evidence of commanding a high salary or other compensation for services. This category does not usually apply to academic positions.
