O-1 Visa - Extraordinary Ability

To qualify for an O-1 status, an individual must provide evidence of the following:

• Receipt of a major, internationally recognized award (e.g., the Nobel Prize), or
• Documentation that meets at least three of the following criteria:
  • Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in their field.
  • Membership in an association that requires outstanding achievements of its members, as judged by nationally or internationally recognized experts.
  • Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the individual's work.
  • Participation on a panel or individually as a judge of the work of others in the field.
  • Letters from leading experts confirming original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance.
  • Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media.
  • Employment in a critical or essential capacity for an organization or establishment that has a distinguished reputation.
  • High salary or other ignificant compensation (typically not applicable to academic roles) commanded by the individual for their services.
  • Other comparable evidence.

• The O-1 visa is employer-specific: You may only work in the position listed in the petition submitted by Clemson University.
• To work for multiple employers, each employer must file a separate O-1 petition.
• If you are dismissed before the end of the visa period, the employer is responsible for the reasonable cost of return transportation.
• Upon approval, your Form I-94 should match the end date on the O-1 petition. Be sure to print and retain a copy each time you re-enter the U.S.
• You must actively pursue the intended activity at Clemson to maintain status.

Changes in Employment

• Significant changes in job duties, title, salary, or department may require a new or amended O-1 petition.
• Contact Immigration Services before making any employment changes.

Public Assistance Restrictions

• Nonimmigrant visa holders and their dependents are not eligible for most public benefits.
• Accepting certain types of assistance may affect future immigration benefits or entry into the U.S.

Change of Address

• All non-immigrants are required to notify USCIS within 10 days of a change of residential address. Please follow the instructions on USCIS’ website.
• You must also notify Immigration Services of the new address via email at empvisa@clemson.edu.

Dependents

• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for O-3 dependent status.
• O-3 dependents are not permitted to work but may attend school full-time.

Social Security Numbers (SSN)

• O-1 holders are eligible to apply for an SSN 10 days after arrival in the U.S. in O-1 status.
• Required documents when meeting with SSA include passport, I-94, and a letter from your employer.
• For more information, visit: www.ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.

Travel Requirements

For O-3 Dependents:

• Valid O-3 visa stamp in passport (not required for Canadian citizens)
• Valid passport
• Copy of O-1 primary visa holder’s Form I-797 or dependent's O-3 Approval Notice

• O-1 visas are initially valid for up to 3 years, with one-year extensions available.
• To extend O-1 status, evidence of continued employment and extraordinary ability is required.
• Petitions must be filed before the current status expires. Once filed, you may continue working for up to 240 days while waiting for approval.
• If traveling internationally after extension approval, you may need a new O-1 visa stamp to re-enter the U.S.

Coming from Another U.S. Employer:

• A new O-1 petition must be filed by Clemson before your start date to transfer sponsorship.
• O-1 petitions can be filed up to six months before the current O-1 expires.

Leaving for Another U.S. Employer:

• Your new employer must file a new petition. Coordinate with them to plan your transition timeline.

Leaving Clemson & Leaving the U.S.:

• Notify both your hiring department and Immigration Services.
• If departing the U.S. earlier than planned, inform Immigration Services so USCIS can be notified.
• There is no official grace period following the end of O-1 employment.