O-1 Extensions

O-1 Extensions

The term “O-1 extension” applies to Yale employees on a Yale sponsored O-1 seeking an extension. The O-1 visa can only be renewed in one year increments, and the earliest one can ask for an extension is 6 months prior to the current expiration. If all O-1 extension materials are prepared well in advance, then there should be no need for paying the Premium Processing ($2805) fee. Please contact Uma Shankar or Mihwa Lee to let OISS know you will be preparing an O-1 extension, and then submit the materials below.

Is Anything Different With an O-1 Extension?

Approval Review: Just because the employee has been approved for O-1 status previously, it does not mean that an extension of O status is guaranteed. Each extension application is evaluated as if it is the very first O-1 request.

Risk During Period Between Current O-1 and New O-1 Approval: The United States Customs and Immigration Service (USCIS) review process of O-1 applications is constantly changing. While there is a legal provision to allow continued employment while waiting for the new O-1 extension approval notice (see “Getting Paid” below) in some cases there is some risk of the application being questions which could in extreme cases lead to the scholar having to depart temporarily from the U. S. The OISS advisers will evaluate each O-1 extension case to try to determine to the best of our ability the risk factor. Filing the O-1 extension early, and/or paying for the expedited premium Processing so that the O-1 extension approval is received before the current O-1 status expires will eliminate this risk. Please speak to your OISS adviser about the best course of action for each O-1 extension case.

Travel: If the scholar travels during the extension process, that action can “abandon” the extension request. Please disclose any international travel plans before the extension process begins.

Department Materials

• Faculty support letter from the direct supervisor including the dates of extension (not to exceed 12 months) salary and highlighting the O-1 employees achievements since the last O-1 application.
• Deemed Export Control Form completed and signed by the department
• Provide a pre-paid Yale e-Global shipping label (of a courier of your choice)

Shipping Addresses:

Application Fees

• Each fee must be written on a separate check
  • All checks should be made out to the Department of Homeland Security
  • All checks should be delivered to OISS
  • For making a Yale check request please use the Application Fees Form
  • The university must pay the I-129 base fee of $530
  • Optional I-907 Premium Processing is an additional $2805
  • Family members needing to file Form I-539: an application fee of $420 for online, or $470 for paper filing, for the family

Materials from the O-1 Scholar

• Printed evidence of achievements to prove at least three areas of 'Extraordinary Ability' since the last O-1 application
• At least one letter of recommendation from an expert in the field that is not at Yale (see letters)
• A copy of the ID page of the passport and the I-94 record
• If you have applied for a green card please provide copies of the receipts or approval notices
• Family members need to complete Form I-539
• Please note:
  

  OISS includes family member Forms I-539 and the I-539A along with Yale’s petition for university work visa sponsorship as a courtesy. Forms I-539/539A are considered individuals’ personal applications (in other words, it is NOT Yale University’s application to the government); therefore, OISS staff do not verify for the accuracy or completeness of the forms and supplemental evidence. The I-539/539A applicants (your family members) are responsible for fully and properly complying with all laws and regulations regarding respective dependent visa status, and documenting in their I-539/539A applications with all necessary evidence. In extreme cases it may be necessary for them or you to seek assistance from an immigration attorney. Please ask OISS if you need clarification on any of the questions within the Forms I-539 or I-539A. OISS will help if we are able or may suggest alternate resources.

• A copy of the ID page of each family member passport and I-94 record