O1 visa for postdoc. O-1 employment is job-specific and employer-specific.
O1 visa for postdoc. If you change to O-1 status while in the U. International postdocs are sponsored on J-1 Research Scholar visas. While you do not necessarily need a PhD to secure an O-1 visa, your extraordinary ability must be an advantage for you. These resources provide links to other helpful information targeted specifically to the needs and interests of international postdocs. O-1 Application Preparation After OISS had decided to sponsor you, you would receive detailed instructions along with the Cover pages on how to collect the information. O-1 Employee Alien of Extraordinary Ability is a non-immigrant, employment-based status reserved for those who have reached a level of expertise indicating that they are one of the small percentages who have risen to the very top of their field of endeavor. Guide to Faculty/Staff Visa Types Sponsoring Faculty/Staff Here’s a quick guide to common visa types for faculty, staff, and other international visitors at Cornell. Prospective postdocs in the U. O-1 Visa Classification The O-1 visa classification is available to individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics, or who have a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries. PhD seeking an O-1 visa, highlighting key requirements and tips. You've been in the business of helping graduate students and postdoctoral trainees acquire changes in their visa status so that they can lengthen their stays in the U. Jun 26, 2018 · If your J visa is subject to the 212 (e) two-year home rule, you will need to obtain a waiver before applying for a green card. So individuals with strong profile have much better chances of getting O1 compared to H1B Disadvantage: 1. Advisory Opinion from a Peer Group Can the FN obtain an Advisory Opinion from a peer group? May 23, 2025 · Learn who qualifies for the O-1 visa requirements, what documents you need, and how to apply successfully. Mar 3, 2023 · The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary Apr 10, 2024 · The O1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields. Unlike other work visas that focus on education credentials or labor needs, the O-1 is purely merit-based. Visa Options for Postdoctoral Scholars at UC Berkeley In general, postdoctoral scholars coming to UC Berkeley for more than six months can be hosted under one of two visas: J-1 Research Scholar Status J-1 Research Scholar status is designed to allow postdocs to engage in research for up to a period of five years. The lawyer who reviewed my profile said, "You do potentially qualify, as you appear to meet the plain language of at least 3 criteria, but we believe this would be on the weaker ends of O-1 The National Postdoctoral Association has published an International Postdoc Onboarding Guide and International Postdoc Survival Guide and a Beginner's Guide to Income Taxes for International Postdocs. What is the process for obtaining a J-1 or H-1B visa for me, as a postdoc? Both the J-1 and H-1B visa categories for postdoctoral students require certification by your educational institution that you have the essential academic and employment backgrounds, as well as the financial suitability to support yourself during your research stay. on student visas Jul 22, 2025 · Learn what it takes to get an O-1 visa for PhD holders, including the minimum requirements, steps, cost, processing times & practical tips. O-1 travel entails an approved O-1 petition and applying for a visa stamp at the U. Discover if the O-1 is right for your career. It is difficult to predict how long an application process will take. Listed below (by Yale position) are the visa categories most often used by Yale international scholars. A PhD alone does not grant eligibility, but it can Forms and Letters Departments must include the Visa Office Review Fee of $400. It is totally dependent on the scholar”s efficiency. Evidence of extraordinary ability and achievement must demonstrate clearly that the individual has risen to the very top of their An O-1 visa is for foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics and individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries. I have 1 journal, 13 conference papers, 2 patents, and 57 citations in total. J-1 faculty and staff: Please visit our Visa Basics page for scholars. Embassy. For a smaller number of scholars, there will be several other options, such as E-3, F-1 OPT, O-1 or TN. Stanford's official representative for processing visa requests for postdoctoral scholars is the Bechtel International Center. For more details about the process and timing, please see Inviting J-1 Exchange . The first visa category listed under the position is the one that is primarily used, with additional options listed below. Proof of recognition through awards, association memberships, publications, and high salary is required. Reply reply Bellatrix_91 • If you are in J-1 status & subject to 212(e) waiver but have not yet received the waiver – or have not yet applied for one – can get O-1 petition approved but have to go to your home country to apply for O-1 visa. The I-Center handles visas and compliance and offers services, guidance, and seminars for postdocs and administrators on visa and immigration issues. O-1: Some postdocs working for institutes go from J visas to O-1s to help them stay in status and work while they are waiting for the approval of their J waivers. Researchers and scientists often qualify for the O-1 visa, as their academic achievements map directly to the eligibility criteria. The visa attracts top global talent across sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics. Sep 20, 2022 · Work Visa Postdocs may be sponsored by Purdue University for H-1B specialty occupation worker O-1 individual with extraordinary ability J-1 exchange visitor status F-1 student status with Optional Practical Training (OPT) E-3 specialty occupation worker (Australian citizens only) TN professional (Canadian or Mexican citizens only) The decision as to which work visa is pursued is made by After multiple failed attempts of obtaining the H-1B visa through the lottery, my company is letting me apply for the O1 visa. Jul 22, 2025 · Learn what it takes to get an O-1 visa for PhD holders, including the minimum requirements, steps, cost, processing times & practical tips. Sponsoring or Extending an O-1 O-1 Extraordinary Ability status is reserved for those who are among the small percentage of experts who have risen to the top of their field, and therefore the approval of an O-1 petition by USCIS requires a substantial amount of evidence. O-1 employment is job-specific and employer-specific. P39 Recharge Form – Visa and Licensing Office Export Control Certification O-1 Request for Eligibility Review O-1 Department Some universities have a graduate/postdoc union and their by-laws allow the postdoc to choose their visa, while for other universities you can include this as part of your negotiation process. Nov 19, 2022 · ISS Scholars, Faculty and Staff Services Visa and Immigration Work Visas (H-1B, E-3, TN, O-1) O-1 Individual Collapse all Expand all Jun 3, 2024 · Discover the process and challenges for foreigners with a U. 00 using a Recharge Request Form (P39) when submitting O-1 request to the visa office, after determination of O-1 eligibility has been conferred by the Visa Office Assistant Director. Jan 5, 2001 · We encourage you to read the entire interview, but if you are looking for specific information, here are the links to the answers on finding a lawyer, the return requirement for J-1 visas, the O-1 visa, and waivers. The O-1A is a three-year work visa for the United States, available to individuals who are nationally or internationally recognized for extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. , the Office of International Affairs (OIA) and the immigration attorney filing the petition will partner with you to apply for an O-1 visa stamp prior to your first trip outside of the U. or gain On the other hand O1 visa is merit based and each application is considered individually. This page is for hiring departments. If you already have a waiver, the petitioner can file for a change of status inside the U. Nov 5, 2024 · The O-1 visa is a temporary work visa designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in science, arts, education, business, or athletics. Oct 9, 2025 · Created by the Immigration Act of 1990, the O-1 nonimmigrant visa is designed for people who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. S. orzmnd7jwlegqtgdt2b3ctsertzupc3bsm1cgjoq5