O-1, Extraordinary Ability

O-1 nonimmigrant classification is reserved for individuals who have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor. They must demonstrate that they possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.

There are two types of O-1 status: O-1A and O-1B. If the individual possesses extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business or athletics, they may be granted O-1A classification. To qualify for O-1A classification, the petitioner must show that the O-1 beneficiary has received a major, internationally-recognized award, such as a Nobel Prize, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following:

1. Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;
2. 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;
3. Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the individual, relating to work in the field for which classification is sought, which shall include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation;
4. Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization to that for which classification is sought;
5. Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
6. Authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;
7. Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
8. Having commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

If the above standards do not readily apply to the beneficiary's occupation, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish eligibility.

Alternatively, if the individual possesses extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, they may qualify for O-1B status. To qualify, the petitioner must provide evidence that the beneficiary has received, or been nominated for, significant national or international awards or prizes in the particular field, such as an Academy Award, Emmy, Grammy or Director's Guild Award, or evidence of at least (3) three of the following:

1. Having performed, and will perform, services as a lead or starring participant in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications contracts, or endorsements;
2. Achieving national or international recognition for achievements evidenced by critical reviews or other published materials by or about the individual in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications;
3. Having performed, and will perform, in a lead, starring, or critical role for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
4. Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes as evidenced by such indicators as title, rating, standing in the field, box office receipts, motion pictures or television ratings, and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;
5. Significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field in which the alien is engaged. Such testimonials must clearly indicate the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements; or
6. Having commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for service in relation to others in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence

If the above standards do not readily apply to the beneficiary's occupation in the arts, the petitioner may submit comparable evidence in order to establish eligibility (this exception does not apply to the motion picture or television industry).

O-1 status is granted for an initial period of up to three years, with extensions available in one-year increments.

The spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of O-1 nonimmigrants may enter the U.S. in O-3 status. O-3 spouses and children are not authorized to work in the U.S.