Start your US immigration journey today with a Missouri O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from 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 their specialized fields for U.S. employers in Missouri and beyond. Unlike other work visas, it has no annual cap and grants an initial stay of up to 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 key advantage. It allows you to pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. This flexibility with the O-1 visa to green card pathway makes it a strong choice for professionals who 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 at the very top of your field in science, business, or the arts.
- Provide evidence of a major international award, or meet at least three of eight criteria like published work, original contributions, or high compensation.
- Have a U.S. employer or O‑1 visa agent sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a relevant peer group.
- Be coming to the U.S. to continue working in your field of extraordinary ability, not to take on a role in an unrelated area.
Our four-step process for O-1 approval
We combine 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 visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to build a stronger 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 our experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. This process minimizes the risk of delays, RFEs, or denials. Our attorneys also provide guidance on complex situations, so you have access to legal expertise from start to finish.
Total process clarity
You always know your petition's status. Our platform provides clear timelines and explains the next steps at each stage. It shows outstanding requirements and upcoming deadlines, which reduces uncertainty and helps you plan ahead.
Expertise for skilled professionals
We specialize in petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the specific work of software engineers, data scientists, and academics, and frames their contributions into a strong case for extraordinary ability that meets USCIS standards.
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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 this resource to understand the complete process, from meeting the criteria to receiving your visa approval, including:
- Meet three of eight criteria
- Step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green cards
- Dependent visas for your family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
What are the main eligibility requirements for getting an O-1 visa?
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must prove 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, there isn't a specific degree requirement; your proven achievements are what matter most.
What is my employer’s role and who is responsible for the visa costs?
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 generally responsible for the filing fees, which can range from the base $460 to several thousand with premium processing. They also must provide a detailed outline of your proposed work.
How long should I expect the entire O-1 visa process to take?
Standard O-1 processing typically takes 2-4 months after the petition is submitted. If you opt for premium processing, which costs an additional fee, USCIS provides a response within 15 business days. Since O-1 petitions have no annual cap or lottery, they can be filed anytime. Expect an extra 2-4 weeks for consular processing abroad.
Is it possible for me to change employers while I am on O-1 status?
Yes, you can change jobs, but your new employer must file a completely new O-1 petition on your behalf. You must wait for the new petition to be approved before you can start the new role. This process requires submitting fresh evidence of your extraordinary ability and obtaining a new advisory opinion from a peer group.
What kind of benefits can my spouse and children get with my 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 is important to note that O-3 status does not grant work authorization under any circumstances. This is a key difference from some H-4 spouses who may be eligible to apply for employment.
How can I best prepare for my O-1 visa interview at the consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, bring your I-797 approval notice, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and supporting evidence of your achievements. Be prepared to discuss your work, your role with the petitioner, and your accomplishments in simple terms. The goal is to clearly demonstrate how you meet the O-1 criteria for extraordinary ability.
What is Lighthouse and how does it help with the O-1 visa process?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps you prepare your immigration documentation. We help you understand the best visa pathway for your profile and then pair you with an experienced O-1 visa attorney to prepare your application. Our platform helps map your accomplishments to USCIS criteria, combining technology with expert legal guidance to manage the complex paperwork.
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Start your O-1 visa petition with Lighthouse
Our platform provides clarity on your immigration options and a legal team that will manage your case from evidence compilation through USCIS submission.