The O visa is a nonimmigrant status used to facilitate the entry of foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business and athletics. With this status, these individuals can temporarily enter the U.S. to participate in a specific project or event. The requirements for this status are strict and extensive documentation is needed to establish that the individual is recognized for his/her extraordinary ability. To qualify for this category, the individual must be nationally/internationally recognized as being in the forefront of his/her field as evidenced by the following:

1. Receipt of major, internationally recognized award in the field (e.g., Nobel Prize or award of similar stature) or

2. Evidence of extraordinary achievement in the field, demonstrated by at least three of the following:

• receipt of nationally/internationally recognized prizes/awards for excellence in the field (student awards and most fellowship/travel grants to do not count)

• membership in professional associations requiring outstanding achievement as recognized by national/international experts in the field as a prerequisite for membership

• published material in professional publications or other major media about the employee's work in the field

• participation on a panel or individually as the judge of the work of others in the field

• scientific, scholarly or business related contributions of major significance in the field

• authorship of scholarly articles in the field in professional journals or major media

• employment in critical capacity for organization/establishments that have a distinguished reputation

• high salary or other remuneration commanded by the foreign national for his/her services

• other comparable evidence

The attached form is an internal, Georgetown form designed to provide the Office of International Programs with the information needed to complete all the necessary immigration-related paperwork. This form will become the cornerstone of all the documentation filed with the various federal agencies. Therefore, it is important to be as accurate as possible. The Employee should complete the employee section of the form while the sponsoring Georgetown Department should complete the Departmental Section. 

For applicants with family members already inside the United States who will be dependents on the O-1 visa, please download and print Form I-539. 

The entire form and all supporting documentation should be returned to: 

Office of International Programs

Georgetown University

1421 37th St. NW

2 Poulton, Box 571013

Washington, DC 20057-1013

tel. (202) 687-5867

fax (202) 687-5944

The entire O-1 process can take up to two months to complete, not including any time needed to assemble the necessary documentation for the application. Therefore, please allow ample processing time.