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O-1: For Individuals of Extraordinary Ability

O-1 status is a temporary status available to aliens of extraordinary ability in the fields of science, education, business or athletics coming to perform services for a US entity. An employer or agent must petition for O-1 status on behalf of the extraordinary individual. O status is an alternative to H-1B status for physicians (especially those who may not have been able to obtain a waiver of the two-year home residence requirement in a timely manner) university professors, and researchers. It is also especially appropriate for artists, entertainers, and athletes.

Classification as an “O-1” requires the individual to demonstrate extraordinary ability as evidenced through sustained national and international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field. The following is a list of the evidence that the USCIS has indicated is necessary to qualify for an O-1:

Receipt of a major internationally-recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize; or
A combination of at least three of the following forms of documentation:

  • Nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field;
  • Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national and international experts in their disciplines;
  • Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the alien, relating to his/her work in the field. Must include the title, date, and author of such published material;
  • Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization for which classification sought;
  • Original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media;
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have distinguished reputation;
  • Receipt or command of a high salary or other remuneration for services, evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

If one or more of these criteria do not readily apply to the occupation, then the petitioner can submit other comparable evidence.

Petitioners must submit a consultation with an appropriate “peer group” (such as a prominent association in the field of endeavor) before a petition can be approved; this consultation must provide the peer group’s assessment of the nature of the work to be done and the beneficiary’s qualifications to perform that work. Some professions and specialties have no “peer group,” in which case alternate evidence can be submitted.

Dual Intent: Filing of an immigrant visa will not, in and of itself, prevent entry or re-entry on an O or extension of O visa. However, the individual must have an “unabandoned residence” abroad.

Dependents:  The spouse and children of the O-1 visa holder are eligible to obtain O-3 status to accompany the O-1.  Dependents holding O-3 status are not permitted to work.

Dennis Mesko

“Taylor & Ryan has provided immigration legal services to the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) for about the past 7 years. The nature of our work requires specialized scientific knowledge from a limited number of potential candidates in a worldwide employee market place. Our ability to rely on the expertise of Taylor … Read More "Dennis Mesko"
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Karen Rasch

“As a growing and evolving academic institution, Loyola University has come to appreciate the true partnership we have with the team at Taylor & Ryan. While their online case management system is easy to use and the forms are all readily available for seamless filing, what I have really come to value is that they … Read More "Karen Rasch"
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Dianna C. Palien

“As a cutting-edge teaching hospital renowned for top-flight medical professionals, St. Agnes Hospital has come to appreciate the consistent, thorough, and highly responsive relationship we have with Frances Taylor and the team of immigration legal experts at Taylor & Ryan. They provide us with timely, relevant updates combined with reliable strategic counsel on the best … Read More "Dianna C. Palien"
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Diane Davis

“Kollmorgen is a large corporation with diverse needs when it comes to immigration legal matters, and we have come to rely on the team at Taylor & Ryan for their professionalism, consistency, and knowledge sharing. When you work with Taylor & Ryan, there’s a personal touch. I always get a response to inquiries within 24 … Read More "Diane Davis"
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Francisco Leon

“I have a lot of experience in working with immigration attorneys, and I wholeheartedly recommend the superb services and counsel of Mary Ryan and the team at Taylor & Ryan — they truly rise to the top of their field. After holding a J-1 and three O-1 visas and now, thanks to Mary, a Green … Read More "Francisco Leon"
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Jennifer Kerilla

“The Johns Hopkins University Medical Institution has a lot of moving parts with many complex immigration matters across the medical campus, including those for the hospital and health systems as well as the University’s Schools of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing. While immigration matters may be unpredictable in nature, I have absolute confidence that no … Read More "Jennifer Kerilla"
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Sonja W. Scholz, MD, PhD

“For someone who is a professional researcher and puts in very long work days, Taylor & Ryan is the ideal immigration law firm. They are true professionals, very efficient, and provide you with access to an online secure database to facilitate your case. I had concerns about being able to maintain my overseas conference schedule … Read More "Sonja W. Scholz, MD, PhD"
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Deborah Bedwell

“Instead of using clay, paint, tools and brushes, Mary Ryan uses the law to create something truly beautiful out of something that would otherwise be a mess. She understands the unique flavor that international artists bring to our community to enhance its richness, intensity and vigor. Baltimore Clayworks and the artistic community locally, regionally, and … Read More "Deborah Bedwell"
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Aparna Maybhate

“My husband and I both were applying for permanent residency on our own, so we needed to build our case based on the importance of our work. He works for Johns Hopkins University, and I’m an astronomer doing instrument calibration and user support for the Space Telescope Science Institute. Given the broad-reaching impact of my … Read More "Aparna Maybhate"
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David Graham, PhD

“Mary and her staff were able to help us quickly navigate the requirements for permanent residence status. They were professional and courteous and helped us stay on track for document preparation through personal contact and excellent software that helped us manage the application through all phases. The end result was an application that was approved … Read More "David Graham, PhD"
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Reid Bowman

“At Allegis Group, we hire hundreds of thousands of temporary workers across our business groups — compliance is critical. Taylor & Ryan had a deep understanding of our business and helped us think through highly complex immigration scenarios as a true strategic extension of our team. They went far above and beyond to provide a … Read More "Reid Bowman"
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