Start your US immigration journey today with a New York O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services provided by licensed, independent O-1 visa attorneys in NYC 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 fields across New York and beyond. Unlike other work visas, the O-1 has no annual cap. It provides an employer-sponsored path for up to three years, with unlimited one-year extensions. This status creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
The visa’s dual intent is a significant advantage. It allows you to pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. This flexibility for an O-1 visa to green card transition 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 who have risen to the very top of your field in sciences, education, business, or athletics.
- Provide evidence of a major internationally recognized 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 or organization.
- Be coming to the United States with the express purpose of continuing to work within your specific area of extraordinary ability.
Your direct path to an O-1 visa
Lighthouse prepares your O-1 petition in weeks, not months, with a platform that integrates legal expertise and technology. 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, explains what you need, and shows how to strengthen your case. Submit your information, and we will follow up with guidance on potential paths forward.
Expert legal review
Experienced O-1 visa attorneys review your petition to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. Our legal team helps reduce the risk of RFEs or denials and provides support for complex cases like amendments or employer changes. You get direct access to legal expertise throughout the entire process.
Total process transparency
You always know where your petition stands. The platform shows your case status, what documents we need, and all future deadlines. We provide clear timelines and explain the next steps at each stage. This transparency reduces uncertainty and lets you plan.
Specialization in advanced fields
Our focus is on professionals in technology, engineering, and research. We have deep experience with petitions for software engineers, data scientists, and other specialized roles. Our team knows how to present complex work to satisfy USCIS criteria for extraordinary ability.
%201-min.avif)
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
-min.avif)
"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!"
-min.avif)
"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 free O-1 visa guide
Read our guide to understand the full O-1 visa process, from initial requirements to final approval:
- How to meet evidentiary criteria
- The step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green card path
- O-3 visas for your family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
%201.svg){kind=icon}
Frequently asked questions
What specific achievements do I need to qualify for the O-1 visa?
To get an O-1 visa, you must 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, the O-1 focuses on your proven accomplishments rather than specific educational credentials.
What is my employer’s role in the O-1 visa process?
Your employer or an O-1 visa agent files the petition on your behalf. This involves submitting Form I-129 and getting a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is generally responsible for the filing fees, which can range from the base 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 typically takes two to four months. For a faster decision, premium processing provides a response from USCIS within 15 business days for an additional fee. Since the O-1 visa has no annual cap or lottery, you can file anytime. Factor in an extra few weeks for consular processing if applying from abroad.
Is it possible for me to switch to a new employer on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change jobs, but your new employer must file a completely new O-1 petition for you. You cannot start the new position until that petition is approved, so timing is critical to avoid employment gaps. This new filing must include updated evidence of your extraordinary ability and a new 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 dependent status to accompany you. While on an O-3 visa, they can live in the U.S. and enroll in school. However, it is important to know that O-3 status does not grant work authorization, so they will not be permitted to be employed.
What should I expect during my O-1 visa interview at the consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, you should bring your passport, approval notice, and supporting documents that prove your extraordinary ability. A consular officer will likely ask about your specific achievements, your proposed work in the U.S., and your qualifications. Be prepared to clearly articulate your accomplishments and how they meet the O-1 criteria.
How does Lighthouse assist professionals with their O-1 visa applications?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps you prepare your immigration documentation. We first help you understand the best visa pathway for your profile. Then, our team works with you to prepare a strong application that maps your achievements to USCIS standards, and we connect you with an experienced O-1 visa attorney who reviews your case.
Que
Answer
Begin your O-1 journey with Lighthouse
Lighthouse provides clear direction on your immigration options and a legal team that manages your case from evidence compilation through USCIS submission.