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O-1 Visa Classification

The O-1 visa classification is available to individuals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics, or who have a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries. Evidence of extraordinary ability and achievement must demonstrate clearly that the individual has risen to the very top of their field of inquiry or endeavor. 

  • O-1 status may be granted for up to three years and extended indefinitely for one-year increments as long as the O-1 employment continues 
  • O-1 status is employer specific; the O-1 employee may only work for the O-1 sponsor (see section on O-1 Employer Sponsorship)  
  • An O-1 employee may be accompanied by a spouse and/or unmarried minor children under 21 

Because the O-1 visa requires a complex petition accompanied by substantial levels of documentation, Tufts uses this classification to sponsor individuals who cannot otherwise obtain H-1B status and who have demonstrated extraordinary expertise. Employees seeking O-1 status based on their Tufts employment are required to use a University-approved immigration attorney, with the approval of the International Center, University Counsel, and the Dean of the employee's school. Please contact the International Center at internationalcenter@tufts.edu for more information.