This article includes an overview of the O-1A visa and is intended for sponsored employees and employers to gain a better understanding of case processing. Envoy Global users can work with the legal team at Corporate Immigration Partners (CIP) in the Communication Center to learn more about this visa and open a case.
This is a high level overview intended for employers and sponsored employees. Circumstances may vary from case to case and questions about cases opened in your Envoy Global account should be directed to the legal team at CIP in the Communication Center.
The O-1A is intended for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in the fields of sciences, education, business, and athletics. This category is designed for top performers who have risen to a level of distinction significantly above their peers, as evidenced through sustained national or international recognition.
The individual must show:
- A high level of expertise indicating that they are among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of their field, and
- Sustained acclaim, demonstrated through extensive documentation.
They must also meet either:
- A one-time major achievement (e.g. internationally recognized aware), or
- At least 3 out of 8 regulatory criteria, such as:
- Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized awards
- Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievements
- Published material about the individual in major media
- Participation as a judge of others’ work
- Original contributions of major significance
- Authorship of scholarly articles
- Employment in a critical or essential capacity
- Commanding a high salary compared to peers
O-1 Extensions are opened when a current O-1 status requires extension with minimal to no changes in the beneficiary’s previously approved status. Please note that USCIS only allows for an extension to be filed, at most, 6 months ahead of expiration.
O-1 Transfers are opened when an O-1 visa status holder is seeking to change employers. Within the Envoy platform, this is often indicated as a simple “O-1” case.
O-1 (Outside U.S.) cases are opened when the beneficiary is either outside of the U.S. at the time the petition is filed, or is planning to depart and apply for an O-1 visa outside of the U.S. after the case is approved. The O-1 status does not take effect until after the Beneficiary enters the U.S. in valid O-1 status.
O-1 Amendments (with or without Extension) are opened when there is a material change in terms and conditions of employment, most often with a significant change in location and sometimes in role or wages. Please notify your Envoy immigration team of any potential changes in your position (promotions, worksite changes, etc.).
Validity Period
Validity Period/Max Length: 3-year initial stay; 1-year extensions; No max stay
Grace Period: 60 days from last date of employment
Dependents
The dependent status associated with the O-1A is known as O3. A dependent family member is considered a spouse and any children under the age of 21. If you have family members who require O-3 status to join you in the United States, the legal team at CIP will assist with opening the necessary case(s) once the primary O-1A case is opened.
Case Processing
Need additional support?
For employers, contact your Account Management team. For sponsored employees, start a live chat with the Envoy Global Customer Experience team from your Envoy Global account.