This document will focus on those individuals in the sciences, education, business and athletics . This O-1 visa category is reserved for those individuals who have risen to the very top of their fields of endeavor and can provide provide documentary evidence to substantiate this claim. The individual must be coming to the U.S. to work in their area of extraordinary ability. In addition to meeting the criteria outlined above, the individual must be coming to the United States to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. However, the position, event, or performance need not require the services of a person of extraordinary ability.
Employment is position, employer, and date specific.
O-1 visa classification is granted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service. The O-1 visa is also date specific. The employee may not commence employment prior to the date authorized by INS and must terminate employment no later than the date authorized. There is no statutory limit on the period of time an individual may remain in the U.S. in O-1 visa status. However, the initial authorized period of stay will not be approved for more than three years.