Yes, you can, but it rarely stands on its own. In the O-1, a sworn statement written by you can be part of the documentation, describing your journey and achievements in your own words. The issue is that a self-attesting document, on its own, tends to carry little weight.
This is because the review process values objective, independent evidence that confirms your merit from external sources. Your statement works best as a connecting thread that organizes and contextualizes that supporting proof.
- Publications and records about your work.
- Awards and distinctions in your field.
- Letters from recognized experts and authorities.
- Documentation of participation in relevant events.
In other words, use the statement as a complement, never as the central piece of evidence. Since each case is evaluated individually, it is worth checking the current criteria with USCIS and putting together your full package with specialized support.
Learn more about O-1
- Requirement
- Extraordinary ability
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- 1 year at a time (unlimited)
- Processing
- 2-4 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.