O-1 Extraordinary Worker

DGSOM reserves the O-1 visa sponsorship for eligible FACULTY MEMBERS and HIGHLY ACCOMPISHED SCHOLARS for positions on the academic staff who possess a terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D.,) and have already demonstrated extraordinary medical science abilities by sustained national or international acclaim, where there are compelling strategic reasons to utilize the O-1 category.

The O-1 Extraordinary Ability petition requires a substantial amount of documentation and evidence, therefore, generally it is not appropriate for trainee positions, including Postdoctoral Researcher, Clinical Resident or Fellow. Extremely limited exceptions may be considered on a case-by-case basis, typically, if the trainee clearly possesses the evidentiary requirements, and if the initial analysis for qualifying factors performed by our office and our outside immigration counsel determines strong O-1 viability.

DGSOM does not support O-1 sponsorship for administrative, technical, management or support staff appointments.

An O-1 visa petition will be supported by DGSOM only when the applicant has applied for internal approval, been approved by the Dean’s Office, and notified as cleared by the Director of the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office. Once preclearance has been issued by the DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office, outside counsel will be engaged to assist with filing the O-1 petitions with USCIS.

To be qualified for O-1 status, an individual of extraordinary ability in the field of science must demonstrate sustained national and international acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing evidence of the following:

• Received a major, internationally recognized award (such as the Nobel Prize).

• Alternatively, the individual may demonstrate that they meet at least three of the eight regulatory criteria necessary to show national or international recognition for sustained career accomplishments.

  It is important to know that meeting three of the eight criteria will not necessarily guarantee the approval of O-1 visa status. The reviewing USCIS officer will ultimately decide on a subjective basis whether the individual qualifies.

DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office will consider filing O-1 petitions for candidates:

• who meet the evidentiary requirements.
• for whom the host department is proposing an appointment for eligible FACULTY MEMBERS and HIGHLY ACCOMPISHED SCHOLARS for positions on the academic staff who possess a terminal degree (Ph.D., M.D.,).
• who will be paid a wage that is consistent with the designation of an individual of extraordinary ability.

To determine O-1 eligibility for a prospective or current UCLA employee and/or request O-1 classification, the sponsoring department must provide the following to the DGSOM Visa Office Director via email:

• candidate's CV
• Google Scholar citation link
• completed O-1 Request for Eligibility Review

The DGSOM Visa Office Director will confer O-1 sponsorship eligibility if the option appears viable. Department will be instructed to submit:

• P39 Recharge Form – Visa and Licensing Office
• Export Control Certification
• O-1 Department Sponsorship Request Form
• Letter of Request for O-1 Sponsorship

Current UCLA policy requires that an outside attorney be retained to assist with O-1 cases. The DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office will provide counseling in determining strategy for a case and selecting an attorney; review documents prepared by the attorney; ensure compliance with UCLA’s policy, procedure, and format; obtain university signatures; and provide status reports. Note that DGSOM Visa and Licensing Office will not accept evidentiary reviews conducted by other immigration attorneys.

O-1 status is employer-specific. There is no maximum limit for O-1 status. It may be approved for an initial period of three years and extended for as long as necessary to complete the assignment, one year at a time.

Dependents of O-1 holders are eligible for O-3 status. O-3 holders are not eligible to work in the U.S.