O-1 Visa (Individuals with Extraordinary Ability) Researcher

Required Documents & Information

• Bachelor's degree or higher in relevant field

  Must hold a bachelor's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Aerophysics, Computer Science, or other relevant field of study. Degree evaluation may be required.

• At least 3 years of research or teaching experience

  Must have at least three years of teaching or research experience in the academic area. Documentation required from employers or institutions.

• International recognition in academic field

  Must be internationally recognized in their academic field prior to I-140 submission. Recognition should be demonstrated through publications, awards, peer recognition, and professional standing.

• At least 2 of 6 outstanding researcher criteria

  Must meet at least 2 of the following 6 criteria demonstrating international recognition as outstanding: (1) evidence of receipt of major prizes or awards; (2) evidence of membership in organizations requiring outstanding achievement; (3) evidence of published material about the researcher in major media; (4) evidence of participation as a judge of work in field; (5) evidence of original scientific contributions; (6) evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals.

• Valid job offer for permanent research position

  Must have a permanent job offer from a U.S. employer. If employer is private (not university or non-profit research institute), employer must employ at least three full-time researchers in the same department or division, and the department must have documented accomplishments in the academic field.

• Employer sponsorship and I-140 petition

  Employer must file Form I-140 Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker on behalf of the researcher.

• Valid passport

  Valid passport required for visa application and entry to United States.