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O-1A criteria guide for sciences and athletes

Updated: Author: Alina Kanametova

Guide Guides 8 pages Anonymized Access on request

Instruction on O-1A requirements for the sciences: 8 pages from a DIY kit on the extraordinary-ability standard and evidence.

O-1 EB-1A EB-2 NIW

About this document

A general guide to O-1A eligibility for sciences, education, business, athletics, and a brief comparison with O-1B and P-1. It explains the extraordinary ability standard, the work-related filing requirement, the main evidentiary criteria, comparable evidence, and totality review. It also notes special points for athletes and the difference between initial and later petition periods.

Key points

  • O-1A is for extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, or athletics with sustained national or international acclaim.
  • The job must require extraordinary ability and the letter must describe the activities and requested work dates.
  • Initial O-1 approval can be for up to three years; later petitions are limited to one year.
  • The petition can be supported by a major award or at least three of eight listed evidentiary criteria.
  • The eight criteria include prizes, memberships, media about the applicant, judging others, original contributions, authorship, critical roles, and high salary.
  • If a criterion does not readily fit the occupation, the applicant may submit comparable evidence with an explanation.
  • USCIS also reviews total evidence such as high-impact journals, citation rates, leading institutions, conference invitations, and U.S. government grants.

What is inside

  1. 1. General eligibility
  2. 2. Work must require ability
  3. 3. O-1A proof criteria
  4. 4. Comparable evidence
  5. 5. Totality review
  6. 6. Athletes

When it helps

A reference explanation of the statutory and evidentiary standard for an O-1A filing. It helps show what kinds of proof and argument the case must address, including comparable evidence and totality review.

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Source: Community (anonymized). The material opens on the site. Reference material, not legal advice.

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