Start your US immigration journey today with a Jefferson County O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines a smart platform with legal services from licensed, independent O-1 visa attorneys to help you navigate the application process with clarity and confidence.
Advance your career with the O-1 visa
The O-1 visa allows professionals with extraordinary ability to work for U.S. employers in Jefferson County and the rest of the U.S. Unlike many work visas, it has no annual cap. This employer-sponsored pathway provides an initial stay of up to three years, with unlimited one-year extensions, and creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
The visa’s dual intent is a significant advantage because it permits you to pursue permanent residence. This flexibility with the O-1 visa to green card process makes it a strong choice for professionals who want to build long-term careers in the United States.
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 among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of your field.
- Provide evidence of a major internationally recognized award, or meet at least three of eight criteria like published work or original contributions.
- Have a U.S. employer or O‑1 visa agent who will sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a peer group.
- Be coming to the U.S. to continue working in your specific area of extraordinary ability and expertise.
How we accelerate your O-1 petition
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 the requirements and shows how to make your case stronger. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a thorough review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. They provide guidance on complex issues like job changes or employer requirements, which reduces the risk of RFEs or denials. You have direct access to legal expertise from start to finish.
Clarity at every step
You always know your petition's status. Our platform provides clear timelines and explains what comes next at each stage. It shows your progress, outstanding requirements, and upcoming deadlines. This transparency removes uncertainty and helps you plan with confidence.
Expertise for skilled professionals
We specialize in petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research fields. Our team understands the unique profiles of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and how to present their specialized work to satisfy USCIS criteria.
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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."
Download our complete O-1 visa guide
Read our guide to learn about the entire O-1 visa process, from requirements to final approval, including:
- Three of eight evidentiary criteria
- Step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green card paths
- Dependent visas for family members
- Timeline and cost breakdowns
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I qualify for an O-1 visa for my work?
To get an O-1 visa, you need to show extraordinary ability in your field with national or international recognition. This is proven with evidence like major awards, articles about your work, a high salary, or membership in exclusive groups. Unlike other visas, a specific degree isn't required; your professional accomplishments are what matter most.
What is my employer’s role and what are the costs for an O-1 visa?
Your employer or an O‑1 visa agent files the petition on your behalf. They must get a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group and detail the work you'll be doing. The employer usually covers the filing fees, which start at $460 but can increase significantly with optional premium processing.
What is the realistic processing timeline for getting an O-1 visa?
Standard processing for an O-1 petition can take two to four months. For a faster decision, premium processing provides a response within 15 business days for an extra fee. Since there's no lottery or annual cap, you can file anytime. After approval, you should also account for a few weeks for the visa interview and stamping at a consulate.
Is it possible for me to change jobs while I am on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change employers, but your new company must file a brand-new O-1 petition for you. You cannot start the new job until that petition is approved, which is different from H-1B portability rules. This process requires submitting updated evidence of your extraordinary ability and getting a new advisory opinion for the new role.
What are the rules for my spouse and children if I get an O-1 visa?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 dependent visas, allowing them to live and study in the U.S. with you. However, it's important to know that O-3 status does not permit them to work. This is a key difference from the H-4 visa for H-1B dependents, where spouses may sometimes get work authorization.
How can I best prepare for the consular interview for my O-1 visa?
For your O-1 visa interview, you should bring your petition approval notice, passport, and key documents supporting your extraordinary ability. Be prepared to discuss your achievements, your specific role with the U.S. employer, and your future plans. It's crucial to clearly explain your work and why it meets the O-1 visa's high standards.
How does Lighthouse help professionals with the O-1 visa application process?
Lighthouse is a documentation preparation service that helps you understand the best visa path for your situation. Once you decide to pursue the O-1, our platform helps prepare your application by mapping your accomplishments to USCIS criteria. We then connect you with an experienced O-1 visa attorney from our team who reviews and finalizes your case.
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Begin your O-1 journey with Lighthouse
Lighthouse provides clear guidance on your immigration options and a legal team to manage your case all the way through USCIS submission.