Start your US immigration journey today with a New Bern O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent O-1 visa attorneys to help you navigate the O-1 visa process with clarity and confidence.
Advance your career with the O-1 visa
The O-1 visa lets professionals with extraordinary ability work in specialized fields across New Bern and the rest of the U.S. Unlike other work visas, it has no annual cap. An employer can sponsor you for an initial three years, with unlimited one-year extensions possible for continued work.
The visa’s dual intent is a significant advantage, as it allows you to pursue permanent residence. This flexibility makes the O-1 a strong option for professionals who build long-term careers in the United States. The path from an O-1 visa to green card is a key feature.
Check your O-1 eligibility
You may be eligible for an O-1 visa if you meet several key requirements, including the following:
Demonstrate extraordinary ability by showing you are among the small percentage who have risen to the very top of your field in sciences, business, or the arts.
Provide evidence of a major internationally recognized award, or meet at least three of eight criteria, including original contributions, published work, or high compensation.
Have a U.S. employer or O‑1 visa agent who will sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a relevant peer group.
Be coming to the U.S. with the specific intention of continuing to work in your area of extraordinary ability.
Simplify your path to an O-1 visa
Our platform unites legal expertise with technology to prepare your O-1 petition in weeks. We handle all the details, from evidence assembly to USCIS submission, so you can advance 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 you how to strengthen your case. Submit a simple form with your information, and we will provide guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a full 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 issues, which gives you access to legal expertise from start to finish.
Total process transparency
You always know your petition's status. Our platform shows your progress, any outstanding requirements, and all upcoming deadlines. Clear timelines and explanations of what comes next at each stage remove uncertainty and help you plan ahead.
For technology and research professionals
We specialize in O-1 petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and advanced research fields. Our team understands the specific needs of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialty roles, and frames their achievements to meet 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."
Get our comprehensive O-1 visa guide
Read our detailed guide to understand the complete O-1 visa process from eligibility to final approval, including:
- How to meet evidentiary criteria
- Step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green cards
- Dependent visa options for family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
What are the key eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa?
To get an O-1 visa, you need to prove you have extraordinary ability in your field, backed by national or international recognition. This isn't about a specific degree; it's about your accomplishments. You'll need to provide evidence like major awards, articles written about your work, a high salary, or proof of significant contributions to your industry.
What is my employer's role in the O-1 visa process?
Your employer or an O-1 visa agent files the petition (Form I-129) on your behalf. They must also get a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is responsible for the filing fees, which can range from the standard fee to several thousand dollars if you choose premium processing.
How long should I expect the O-1 visa application process to take?
Standard processing for an O-1 petition can take a few months. However, with premium processing, you can get a decision from USCIS within 15 business days. A key advantage is that O-1 visas don't have an annual cap or lottery, so you can apply anytime. Factor in extra time for consular processing if you're outside the U.S.
Is it possible to switch jobs if I am on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change jobs, but it requires your new employer to file a completely new O-1 petition for you. You must wait for the new petition to be approved before you can start the new role. This process, often called O-1 portability, isn't as immediate as with some other visas, so careful planning is essential.
Can my spouse and children come with me on an O-1 visa?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you by getting O-3 visas. This status allows them to live in the U.S. and attend school. However, it's important to know that O-3 visa holders are not permitted to work. This is a key difference from some other dependent visas, like certain H-4s.
What should I expect during my O-1 visa interview at the consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, be prepared to discuss your achievements and the work you'll be doing in the U.S. Bring your petition approval notice, passport, and copies of the evidence you submitted. The consular officer wants to understand your qualifications, so be ready to explain your extraordinary ability in a clear and concise way.
How can Lighthouse assist me with my O-1 visa application process?
As a documentation preparation service, Lighthouse helps you understand your visa options and prepares your application. We assess your profile to identify the best pathway, then our team and partner O-1 visa attorneys build a strong case by mapping your accomplishments to USCIS criteria. We combine our platform with legal expertise to manage the complex paperwork for you.
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Let Lighthouse guide your O-1 visa petition
With Lighthouse, you get clarity on your visa options and a legal team that handles your case from evidence compilation to USCIS submission.