Start your US immigration journey today with a Dallas O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services provided by licensed, independent O-1 visa attorneys to help you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Advance your career with the O-1 visa
The O-1 visa allows individuals with extraordinary ability to work in specialized fields across the United States. For professionals in Dallas and beyond, it presents a unique pathway with no annual cap. The visa is granted for an initial three years, with unlimited one-year extensions. This creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
The visa's dual intent is a significant advantage, which lets you pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. This flexibility makes the O-1 visa to green card pathway a strong choice for professionals who build long-term careers in the U.S.
Check your O-1 eligibility
You may be eligible for an O-1 visa if you meet several key requirements, including:
- Demonstrate extraordinary ability by showing you are in the small percentage at the very top of your field in sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- Provide evidence of a major international award, or meet at least three of eight criteria, including published work, original contributions, or high compensation.
- Have a U.S. employer or O‑1 visa agent to sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a peer group or relevant organization.
- Be coming to the U.S. with the express purpose of continuing to work within your field of extraordinary ability.
Your direct path to O-1 visa approval
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with purpose-built technology to prepare your O-1 petition in weeks. We handle every detail, from evidence compilation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career while we build your case.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to strengthen your case. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition receives a thorough review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. Our legal team helps minimize the risk of RFEs, delays, or denials and provides guidance on complex matters. You have access to dedicated legal expertise throughout the entire application process.
Clarity at every step
You always know where your petition stands. Our platform shows your petition status, outstanding requirements, and all upcoming deadlines. We provide clear timelines and explain the next steps at each stage, so you can plan ahead without any uncertainty.
For technology and research roles
We focus on O-1 petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team has deep experience with the profiles of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and knows how to present your qualifications for USCIS review.
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Find Your Own Success Story
"Still trying to process this — my second O-1 has been approved! Thank you everyone, truly. Shoutout to for living up to their name when I needed help the most
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"Lighthouse is insanely fast. Your new colleague might not even have finished their work trial by the time Lighthouse has already gotten them an O1 visa. Highly recommend working with them!"
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"If you also want to join the league of extraordinary aliens, you should use Lighthouse. Impressively fast, but also confidently handled with the minimum fuss and very responsive which is just so calming in an otherwise very stressful process."
“US O1A visa approved! Thanks to Lighthouse that was much faster and less effort than I expected, they just took care of everything!”
“The weight of dealing with the immigration stuff has been some of the heaviest in my life...so her calm, extreme competence and her warmth made me so cared for.”
"O-1A approved! Thanks to Minn and Lighthouse for their guidance and support throughout the whole process. Would recommend working with them for your visa needs. Blazingly fast, no fuss and very responsive!"
"It was really great working with Minn and I strongly recommend a chat with her if you need help getting a visa!"
"I am forever grateful to Minn for helping me get O1A. Having dealt with a number of visas and attorneys over the past 5 years, working with Minn was the first time I felt supported and safe! Can't recommend enough. Awesome people, incredible product."
Explore our guide to the O-1 visa
Read our detailed guide to learn about the entire O-1 visa process, from requirements to final approval, including:
- How to meet evidentiary criteria
- The step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent for a green card
- Dependent visas for your family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
What makes me eligible for an O-1 visa as a professional?
To be eligible for an O-1 visa, you need to prove extraordinary ability in your field with evidence of national or international recognition. This can include major awards, articles written about your work, a high salary, or membership in exclusive associations. Unlike other visas, your proven accomplishments are more important than specific educational degrees.
What is my employer’s role and financial responsibility in the O-1 visa process?
Your employer or O-1 visa agent is responsible for filing the I-129 petition and getting a written opinion from a relevant peer group. They are also expected to cover the filing fees, which start at $460 but can increase with premium processing. Additionally, they must submit a detailed outline of your proposed work.
What is the realistic timeline for getting an O-1 visa from start to finish?
Standard processing for an O-1 petition typically takes two to four months for an approval. If you opt for premium processing, you can expect a decision within 15 business days. Since the O-1 has no annual lottery or cap, you can file anytime. Remember to factor in an extra two to four weeks for visa stamping at a consulate.
Is it possible for me to switch jobs while I am on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change jobs, but your new employer must file a completely new O-1 petition on your behalf. You cannot start the new role until this petition is approved, which differs from H-1B portability rules. This new application will require updated evidence of your extraordinary ability and a fresh advisory opinion from a peer group.
Can my spouse and children come with me, and are they allowed to work?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 visas to accompany you. While on O-3 status, they can live in the U.S. and enroll in school. However, they are not permitted to work under any circumstances. This is a key difference from some H-4 spouses who may be eligible for work authorization.
What should I expect during my O-1 visa interview and how can I prepare?
For your O-1 visa interview, you'll need your I-797 approval notice, passport, and DS-160 confirmation page. Be prepared to discuss your accomplishments and your specific role in the U.S. in simple, clear language. The consular officer will want to understand how your background qualifies as extraordinary, so have your key achievements top of mind.
How does Lighthouse assist professionals like me with the O-1 visa application process?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps you prepare your immigration documentation. We first help you determine the best visa pathway for your profile. Once you decide to move forward, our team helps prepare your application by mapping your achievements to USCIS criteria and connecting you with an experienced O-1 visa attorney for review and filing.
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Begin your O-1 journey with Lighthouse
Get clear guidance on your visa options and a legal team that will manage your case from evidence compilation through USCIS submission.