Supporting documents required from an individual applying for an O-1 visa
For applicants applying from within the U.S.
Copy of I-94 number, admission stamp, and most recent U.S. visa stamp
Copy of current and all previous U.S. immigration documents
Examples: I-797 Approval Notices, Forms I-20, Forms DS-2019, EAD Card, I-612 Waiver Approval/DOS Waiver Recommendation Letter
If currently in the U.S. with an employment-based status (F-1 OPT, E-3, H-1B, etc.):
Copies of pay stubs for the most recent three months O-1 Transfers: Please note that employment with the other employer must continue until the IU O-1 application is approved by USCIS. Once we have received the approval notice and the start date indicated on the O-1 application has arrived, the employee may leave their current position and begin working at Indiana University.
If currently in the U.S. with dependents requiring O-3 status:
Completed Form I-539 for the first dependent and Form I-539A for each additional dependent
Copy of dependent’s I-94 number and admission stamp
Copy of previous U.S. immigration documents (if applicable)
Copy of dependent's passport identification page, including any extension pages
Copy of dependent's most recent U.S. visa stamp
Proof of dependent’s relationship to O-1 applicant
For all applicants
Copy of transcript/diploma listing field of study and, if not a U.S. degree, copy of credentials evaluation
Copy of most recent curriculum vitae or resume
Copy of passport identification page, including any extension pages
Peer review: a written consultation/advisory opinion from a peer group or from recognized expert(s) in the O-1 applicant's area of ability (i.e., letters of support from renowned researchers that attest to the qualifications and value of work already done by the O-1 petitioner and the expectations for the future).
Note: letters of support from outside the Indiana University community and outside the U.S. strengthen your case. The letters should indicate the importance of the applicant's role and work to their own research and the relevance/importance of the applicant's research in the field. Peer letters should emphasize specific contributions that the applicant has made to the field in the past. A strong letter will describe the applicant and their work as having attained a level of national or international acclaim or significance, and will refer to specific results and findings. Indications that the applicant is “promising,” “hard-working,” or “should” make a significant contribution are generally not helpful.
We suggest submitting at least five letters, more if possible. Referees should outline their own standing in the field and include their C.V. Because the people evaluating applications are not experts in the field, the case is best made by writing as though for a National Geographic article and avoiding overly technical language.
Evidence of at least three (more than three recommended) of the following: If the applicant has received a major, internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize, no further documentation is needed. Otherwise provide documentation as below.
Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor.
Provide information on the reputation of the organization granting the award, the significance of the award, and the criteria for selection.
Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members as judged by recognized national or international experts in the discipline.
Provide copies of appointing letters and, if applicable, evidence that membership is subject to review.
Published material in professional publications or major media about the O-1 applicant relating to his or her work in the field.
Include the title, date, and author of such material and any necessary translation. This may include citations of your work in the publications of others but citation indexes without evidence of discussion of your findings will not be given much consideration.
Evidence of participation on a panel or individually as a judge of the work of others in the field.
This may include journal requests to review, direction of dissertations, selection of projects in a lab, etc.
Evidence of scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field.
Recommendation letters may provide this. Other possibilities are patents or discography.
Evidence of authorship of books or articles in the field in professional journals or other major media.
Provide list and copy of first page showing title, authorship, journal name, and date. Do not submit the entire article. Include information about the journals in which articles appeared to indicate stature of the publication.
Evidence of previous employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations having a distinguished reputation.
NSF or Department of Defense research grants may provide this.
Evidence that the beneficiary has commanded or will command a high salary or other compensation for services.
Provide contracts or other evidence.
Where to send supporting documents
Office of International Services Indiana University Ferguson International Center 330 N. Eagleson Ave. Bloomington, IN 47405
Phone: (812) 855-9086
Fax: (812) 855-4418
Email: ois@iu.edu
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