The O-1 visa is a nonimmigrant employment-based visa classification for individuals of extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, arts or athletics; or individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and televisions industries. The O-1 application requires a preponderance of evidence that the individual has extraordinary ability. The evidence submitted must demonstrate that the individual is one of a small percentage who have risen to the very top of the field of endeavor.

At Yale, O-1 sponsorship is for a full-time salaried Yale employee with an academic faculty appointment of Associate Research Scientist or higher, with at least 3 years of funding. Yale affiliates who can demonstrate sustained extraordinary national or international acclaim and recognition for achievements in their field can request O-1 sponsorship from OISS. OISS will review how well the individual's achievements meet the USCIS criteria and decide whether Yale sponsorship is possible.  

If approved for O-1 sponsorship, OISS, in collaboration with Yale’s contracted external immigration counsel, oversees all O-1 sponsorship petitions. All sponsorship requests must be initiated by the hiring unit, which is responsible for all associated costs, including attorney fees.  

Two General Categories of O-1

• For sciences, education, business and athletes
• For the arts and performing arts

Qualifications

• Evidence that the applicant is recognized nationally or internationally as extraordinary in their academic field. This evidence must consist of at least three categories of achievements [1]. In addition each piece of evidence must be accompanied by supporting explanations from independent objective sources.
• Evidence that the employment requires the skills of someone with 'extraordinary ability' as detailed in a faculty support letter and peer group letters.