O‑1 Extraordinary Ability
The O‑1 category is for aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Generally extraordinary ability means a level of expertise indicating that the individual is one of a small percentage who has risen to the very top of his/her field. The CIS guidelines for proving "extraordinary ability" under this category are virtually the same as those for the First Preference "extraordinary ability" petitions:
- Major prizes or awards.
- Membership in organizations which require outstanding achievement.
- Cites to or articles about the individual’s work.
- Participation as a judge of the work of others.
- Evidence of original scientific, scholarly, or business‑related contributions.
- Authorship of scholarly articles.§ Employment in a critical or essential capacity for an organization or establishment that has a distinguished reputation.
- High salary in relation to others in the field. Criteria for artists:
- Perform services as a lead/starring participant in a production or event with a distinguished reputation.
- National or international recognition for achievements.§ Performed in a lead, starring or critical role for organizations and establishments with a distinguished reputation.
- Commercial or critically acclaimed success.
- Significant recognition from critics, experts, or government agencies.
- High salary in relation to others in the field.
