Overview
The purpose of the O-1A visa is to allow individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics to enter the U.S. and work for U.S. employers. UW sponsors O-1A visas only for incoming and ongoing professorial faculty who are ineligible for an H-1B or other appropriate visa type due to prior immigration history.
USCIS requires that candidates demonstrate “sustained national or international acclaim” in their field through receipt of prizes, significant original contributions to the field, high compensation, and other criteria. Because of this high burden of proof, some faculty candidates may not qualify for an O-1A visa. All O-1A sponsorships based on UW employment are processed through International Scholars Operations (ISO) in the Office for Academic Personnel and Faculty, although some of these sponsorships may be referred to outside immigration counsel.
Filing fees of $3335 must be paid to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Units are responsible for both filing fees and processing fees charged by ISO and/or outside immigration counsel.
ISO recommends that O-1A requests be submitted at least 5 months in advance of the expected start date, even with payment of the USCIS Premium Processing Fee; however, submitting as early as possible will support timely processing and provide greater certainty for academic units and new employees alike.
An O-1A employee can hold O-1A status indefinitely, although extensions may be required on a yearly basis. ISO encourages employees to move from O-1A to H-1B as soon as possible to support the transition to permanent residence and avoid undue cost to units.
Eligible Titles
UW currently sponsors O-1A visas for professorial positions only. Staff or other academic personnel positions are not currently eligible.