O-1 Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa status may be an option for researchers who are highly distinguished in their fields (in the top 10% of the field) who will work in that field at UMass Chan. Decisions regarding UMass Chan support of an O-1 application are made by Immigration Services. However, unlike other non-immigrant visa statuses (ie. H-1B, F-1, J-1), UMass Chan sponsored O-1 petitions are prepared and submitted by an approved attorney on behalf of the institution.  All related processing and attorney fees are the responsibility of the sponsoring department. 

O-1 status may be requested initially for no more than three years but may be renewed subsequently in one-year increments. A UMass Chan appointment is only authorized once the individual has obtained the O-1 immigration status, unless that individual is already in the United States in a valid status that includes employment authorization. If an individual is in O-1 status for employment elsewhere, that individual is not authorized for employment at UMass Chan until/unless UMass Chan also files and obtains approval of an O-1 petition.

The spouse and children of O-1s may obtain O-3 status. They may not work under any circumstances.