O-1 Extraordinary Ability Workers
O-1 visas are meant for individuals with extraordinary ability in the areas of science, art, education, business, or athletics. This is not a common status used to bring employees to the University of Rochester.
Petitions: Contact ISO
O-1 petitions are coordinated through the ISO and prepared by an immigration attorney. The hiring department pays the legal and filing fees associated with the submission. To discuss a potential or current O-1 petition, please contact ISO Scholar Services with questions or to make an appointment.
Travel permissions and required documentation
O-1 temporary workers may enter the US up to 10 days before the employment start date. Workers should bring their:
- Valid passport
- Complete a copy of the O-1 petition (which was filed with USCIS to obtain the approved O-1)
- The original O-1 approval notice (USCIS form I-797)
- Valid I-94 card
- DS-160
- Valid O-1 visa stamp in the passport
- Copies of last two months’ pay statements from the University of Rochester, or other financial proof
Canadians are not required to have a visa to enter the US. Instead, present the O-1 Approval Notice and copy of O-1 petition at the border to obtain an O-1 I-94 card.
O-3 dependents
O-1 temporary workers may bring their dependent spouse and children with them on O-3 status. The dependent status is based directly on the primary worker’s valid status. There are important restrictions on study and work for O-3 dependents. Visit our Dependent Spouses and Children page to learn more.
When traveling, O-3 dependents should have the following documents:
- Valid passport
- Valid O-3 visa stamp (excluding Canadian citizens)
- Proof of dependent relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
- Valid I-94 card
- Copies of primary O-1 documents, if traveling alone