O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
The O-1 category is an option for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability in science, art, education, business, or athletics that has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim and whose achievements have been recognized in the field through extensive documentation. Extraordinary ability is a high level of expertise and indicates that the person is one of a small percentage that has risen to the very top of their field. The initial length of stay for an O-1 category has a maximum of three years, with the ability to apply for extensions in one-year increments.
O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
MULTIPLE EMPLOYMENT SITES: O-1 visas can be sponsored by a single employer or an agent. Individuals with an agent sponsored O-1, must obtain the appropriate approvals to have multiple sites for employment activity. Foreign nationals, not sponsored by Bard College, must provide the required employment authorization from their sponsoring agent or immigration attorney to accept employment with the College.
MULTIPLE EMPLOYMENT PURPOSE: O-1 status is distinguished from other employment related statuses in that it applies to more types of work than other visa categories, such as H or L. For example, H-1B status is limited to professionals and cannot be applied to athletes or entertainers as can O-1 status.
QUOTA EXEMPT: The O-1 visa has no annual quota. Foreign nationals seeking H-1Bs outside of higher education (institutions of higher education are H-1B quota exempt) are subject to quota restrictions and a restricted number of available H-1Bs for a given year.
NOT RESTRICTED BY TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Certain foreign nationals who have been in the United States in J-1/J-2 status may be subject to the Two-Year Home Residency requirement, preventing them from qualifying for an H, L, or K category until they have spent two years in their home country or applied and been approved for a waiver. These individuals may obtain O status without fulfilling the two-year residency requirement or getting a waiver of the requirement. In this situation the individual must exit the United States, apply for the visa and reenter in O-1 status.
DUAL INTENT: The O-1 category allows for dual intent and can be a pathway to permanent residency. Individuals in O-1 status can accept tenure and/or tenure-track positions.