O-1 Temporary Workers
O-1 temporary workers possess extraordinary ability, are among the top 1–2% of individuals who have risen to the very top of their field, and are coming to the United States to continue work in their area of extraordinary ability on a temporary basis.
At Emory, O-1 status can be used to bring temporary faculty, researchers, or other professionals to the US.
O-1 scholars must demonstrate extraordinary ability by sustained national or international acclaim. Learn more >>
The hosting department must also demonstrate that the position requires someone of extraordinary ability.
Length of stay
O-1 status is initially granted for up to 3 years. You can get extensions in 1-year increments, and technically there is no maximum length of stay. However, since O-1 is meant to be a temporary employment status, use caution if you are pursuing a stay of longer than 6 years. USCIS might deny your application or require further proof of the temporary nature of your employment. O-1s may enter the U.S. up to 10 days prior to the start date on the I-797 approval notice and may be granted a 10-day grace period after the end date on the I-797 approval notice. To confirm the grace period given, check the I-94 each time. The 10-day grace periods aren’t automatically given and are up to DHS discretion. O-1s cannot work during the grace periods.
Dependents
You can bring your spouse or unmarried children under the age of 21 with you to the United States as O-3 dependents.
O-3 dependents can't be employed in the US, but they can study full time.