Start your US immigration journey today with a Franklin County 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 an O-1 visa
The O-1 visa allows individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement to work in their specialized fields. Unlike many work visas, the O-1 has no annual cap and permits an initial stay of up to three years, with unlimited one-year extensions. This status creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics to work with U.S. employers in Franklin County and beyond.
The visa's dual intent provides a significant advantage, as it lets you pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. This flexibility makes the O-1 a strong choice for professionals who want to build long-term careers in the United States, with a clear path from an O-1 visa to green card.
Check your O-1 eligibility
To be eligible for an O-1 visa, you must meet several key requirements:
- Demonstrate extraordinary ability by showing you are among the small percentage who have risen to the top of your field in business, athletics, or the arts.
- Provide evidence of a major internationally recognized award, or meet at least three of eight criteria, including awards, published work, or high compensation.
- Have a U.S. employer or O‑1 visa agent sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a peer group or relevant organization.
- Be coming to the U.S. with the specific purpose of continuing to work within your area of extraordinary ability and expertise.
How we prepare your O-1 petition faster
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with purpose-built technology to prepare your O-1 petition in weeks, not months. We handle every detail, from evidence compilation to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your career.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to build a stronger case. Submit your information via a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a full review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys who know USCIS standards inside and out. We help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to RFEs or delays. You receive expert guidance on complex situations like employer requirements or amendments, with legal support from start to finish.
Clarity at every step
You always know where your petition stands. Our platform shows your case status, what requirements remain, and all future deadlines. Clear timelines and explanations for each stage remove uncertainty and help you plan with confidence.
Designed for technical professionals
Our focus is on professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research fields. We understand the specific career paths of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty occupation roles, and how to best represent their work for the O-1 visa.
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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."
Get your comprehensive O-1 visa guide
Read our in-depth resource to understand the full O-1 visa process from eligibility to final approval, including:
- How to meet three criteria
- A step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green card path
- Visa options for family members
- Full timeline and cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa?
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must show extraordinary ability in your field through sustained national or international acclaim. USCIS looks for evidence like major awards, articles written about you, a high salary, or significant contributions to your industry. Unlike the H-1B, a specific degree isn't required; your proven achievements are what matter most.
What is my employer’s role in sponsoring an O-1 visa?
Your employer or O‑1 visa agent files Form I-129 and gets a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is responsible for the filing fees, which can be a few hundred dollars or several thousand with premium processing. They also need to provide a detailed outline of your proposed work.
How long should I expect the O-1 visa process to take?
Standard O-1 processing typically takes two to four months after the petition is submitted. If you opt for premium processing, which costs extra, USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days. Since O-1 petitions don't have an annual cap or lottery, they can be filed anytime. After approval, allow a few more weeks for consular processing.
Is it possible for me to change jobs while on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change employers, but your new employer must file a new O-1 petition on your behalf before you can start the new job. You must wait for the new petition to be approved, so it's important to plan the transition carefully to avoid any employment gaps. This new filing requires updated evidence and a new advisory opinion.
What visa benefits are available for my spouse and children?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 dependent visas, which allow them to live in the U.S. and attend school. However, it's important to note that O-3 status does not permit them to work. This is a key difference from some H-4 spouses who may be eligible for work authorization.
How can I best prepare for my O-1 visa interview at the consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, you should bring your I-797 approval notice, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and the evidence supporting your extraordinary ability. Be prepared to discuss your achievements, your specific role with the petitioner, and your plans in the U.S. Clearly explain your work and how your accomplishments meet the O-1 criteria.
What is Lighthouse and how can it help with my O-1 visa application?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps professionals navigate the U.S. immigration process. We help you identify the best visa pathway for your background and then prepare a strong application that meets USCIS standards. Our team maps your achievements to the O-1 criteria and connects you with an experienced attorney who reviews your entire case.
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Let Lighthouse guide your O-1 petition
Get clarity on your visa pathways and let our legal team manage your case, from compiling evidence to filing with USCIS.