H. 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.