Initiating an O-1 Request

You must complete several steps before submitting an O-1 request. O-1 petitions require extensive documentation, so early preparation is essential to avoid delays.

You should begin this process as early as possible, ideally 4–6 months before the intended start date.

Step 1: Confirm Employee Record

Before starting the request, you must:

• Confirm the employee has a Stony Brook ID (Empl ID)
• Ensure their date of birth, email, and citizenship are correct in PeopleSoft

If a new ID has been created, wait 24 hours before proceeding to allow system updates to complete.

Step 2: Assess O-1 Eligibility

Before moving forward, you should work with VIS to confirm the candidate appears to meet O-1 eligibility.

The candidate must demonstrate extraordinary ability, supported by evidence such as:

• Publications or scholarly work
• Major awards or honors
• Original contributions to their field
• National or international recognition
  
  

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

You must gather and upload the required documents in PDF format, including:

• Letter of Offer or Employment Contract
• Detailed description of job duties and project scope
• Candidate’s CV

Additional documentation will be required later in the process, but these materials are needed to begin.

Incomplete or unclear documents will delay processing.

Step 4: Submit the Request

You must submit an Immigration Counsel Referral Request in accessVIS.

Once submitted:

• The Dean (or equivalent) will receive a request to approve the case
• This approval confirms your department agrees to comply with O-1 requirements

VIS cannot proceed without this approval

Step 5: Employee Completes Their Portion

After submission, the employee will receive instructions to:

• Log into accessVIS
• Provide personal and immigration information

Delays at this stage will delay the overall process.

Step 6: Compliance and Export Control Review

VIS will coordinate required compliance checks, including:

• Export control screening through the Office of Research Compliance
• Verification that the employee and their affiliations are not restricted under U.S. law

This step is required before moving forward.

Step 7: VIS Review and Referral

Once all materials are submitted:

• VIS will conduct a preliminary review
• You should allow 5–7 business days for this step
• If complete, the case will be referred to immigration counsel

The employee will then be contacted directly by the law firm to continue the process. O-1 petitions require extensive supporting documentation. Immigration counsel will work with the employee to gather evidence.

Timely responses are critical to avoid delays.