O-1 - Alien of Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa category is for those who have extraordinary ability in their field, "demonstrated by national or international acclaim recognized in the field through extensive documentation."

"Extraordinary ability" is defined as "a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentage who has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor." [8 CFR 214.s(o)(3)(II)].

The O-1 petition is an employment-based petition, meaning that Florida State University, as the employer, would submit the petition on behalf of the employee. The employing department would work with Florida State University's International Center to determine eligibility, and to gather the required supporting documentation.

Florida State University typically uses the H-1B category to employ professionals, rather than the O-1 category. The university will submit O-1 petitions only when necessary.

For additional information, please refer to the "Overview/Q & A" link on the side menu.   For assistance in filing an O-1 petition please contact:

Kristen Hagen
Assistant Director, Immigration Services
850.644.9563
khagen@admin.fsu.edu