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O-1

The O-1 nonimmigrant category is for the employment of people who have achieved and sustained national or international acclaim for extraordinary ability in:

  • Sciences
  • Arts
  • Education
  • Business
  • Athletics

UT Southwestern rarely uses O-1 as a category because of the large amount of evidence necessary for approval. In many instances, H-1B is a much more appropriate employment visa category.

We will only sponsor an O-1 visa for faculty members with the title of Instructor or above (such as Assistant Professor or Associate Professor).

O-1 petitions must be filed by one of the immigration attorneys contracted with the University of Texas System.

Please contact your immigration specialist for questions regarding O-1 visa eligibility.

O-1 Travel

Traveling as an O-1 has specific guidelines that nonimmigrants should be aware of. O-1 travel entails an approved O-1 petition and applying for a visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy.

If you change to O-1 status while in the U.S., 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.S.

Please contact your immigration advisor at least 30 days prior to your travel date.

If your O-1 petition was filed for consular processing, you are required to obtain an O-1 visa at a U.S embassy.

Please visit the embassy website for detailed visa application instructions.

Security Checks

Security checks during the application for a visa stamp are very common for all nonimmigrants studying or working in scientific fields. They are even more common in specific countries such as China, India, Korea, and Middle Eastern countries.

While these checks are usually completed within three weeks, a few may take six months or longer. UT Southwestern is not able to shorten the security clearance process. Please plan accordingly and let your supervisor and department know about this possibility.

Other Useful O-1 Travel Information: Positions

  • You will not be permitted to enter the U.S. in O-1 status more than 10 days prior to the effective date of that status.
  • You are required to start your position no later than 30 days after your arrival.
  • The O-1 visa is employer and position specific; therefore, any changes in employment should be reviewed by OIA advisers.
  • Please find estimated wait times for interview scheduling.
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