On another HN thread, several commenters did get that visa (O-1 Extraordinary Ability), apparently you need some well-known prizes (Nobel Prize would be best, o

On another HN thread, several commenters did get that visa (O-1 Extraordinary Ability), apparently you need some well-known prizes (Nobel Prize would be best, or Turing Award, but apparently Google/O'Reilly Hacker of the Year works too) and national media coverage. Quotes from other threads: From USCIS: * Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor * Membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought which require outstanding achievements, as judged by recognized national or international experts in the field * Published material in professional or major trade publications, newspapers or other major media about the beneficiary and the beneficiary’s work in the field for which classification is sought * Original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field * Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media in the field for which classification is sought * A high salary or other remuneration for services as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence * Participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in a field of specialization allied to that field for which classification is sought * Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation For science: - publications - recommendation letters (preferably a blend from business, research and politicians) - awards (even things like "the best paper" of a small conference with only 30 papers from local researchers) - interviews - be a member of an association only open to certain persons (for example with a Ph.D. you qualify for IEEE membership, and they will deliver a good-looking membership certificate) So having a Ph.D is not enough, but if are a decently successful researcher and have a good network for the recommendation letters (or your future employer), you can get it without being of Turing award level. https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8228338 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=8228338 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10400912 https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=10400912