O–1 is for individuals of "extraordinary ability" and requires proof of major scholarly, athletic, or artistic achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Persons who are ineligible for H-1B or other employment based visas because they are subject to the J-1 two-year home residence rule can be granted the O–1 visa/status.
The O–1 process requires the employer to file a petition with USCIS. ISSS does not process O-1 petitions. University departments who decide to pursue an O-1 petition on behalf of an employee must work with the University Office of General Counsel (OGC) and a private immigration attorney. Please see the OGC policy and procedure.
The dependent spouse and children (under age 21) of an O-1 principal, if otherwise eligible, may be granted O-3 status. O-3 dependents may attend school, but employment is not permitted.
See USCIS’s website for additional information about the O-1 visa, and ISSS’s Visa Options for Employment Eligibility chart for a comparison to other visa types.
