Non Immigrant Status: O-1 Extraordinary Ability
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.
