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O1 Extraordinary Ability Visa

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O1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

The O1 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 O1 category has a maximum of three years, with the ability to apply for extensions in one-year increments.

O1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

  • MULTIPLE EMPLOYMENT SITES: O1 visas can be sponsored by a single employer or an agent. Individuals with an agent sponsored O1, 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: O1 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, H1B status is limited to professionals and cannot be applied to athletes or entertainers as can O1 status.
  • QUOTA EXEMPT: The O1 visa has no annual quota. Foreign nationals seeking H1Bs outside of higher education (institutions of higher education are H1B quota exempt) are subject to quota restrictions and a restricted number of available H1Bs for a given year.
  • NOT RESTRICTED BY TWO-YEAR HOME RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT: Certain foreign nationals who have been in the United States in J1/J2 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 O1 status.  
  • DUAL INTENT: The O1 category allows for dual intent and can be a pathway to permanent residency. Individuals in O1 status can accept tenure and/or tenure-track positions. 
Visit the O1 Visa Government Page

O1 Sponsorship

​Individuals being sponsored by the College for an O1 visa will work with the College’s Immigration attorney to complete the application process.

Individuals seeking employment with Bard who have an agent sponsored O1 status must provide employment verification at the time of hire.

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PO Box 5000
Annandale-on-Hudson, New York 12504-5000
Phone: 845-758-6822
Admission E-mail: [email protected]
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