Start your US immigration journey today with an Orlando 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 the O-1 visa
The O-1 visa lets individuals with extraordinary ability work in specialized fields for U.S. employers, in Orlando and beyond. Unlike other work visas, the O-1 has no annual cap. It grants 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.
The visa’s dual intent is a significant advantage, as it allows you to pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. This flexibility makes the O-1 a strong option for professionals who build long-term careers in the United States through the O-1 visa to green card pathway.
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 international 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 sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a relevant peer group.
- Be coming to the United States with the intention of continuing to work within your specific area of extraordinary ability.
A faster path to your O-1 visa
Lighthouse combines 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.
A simple starting point
Our platform helps you explore visa options. It walks you through the requirements 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 experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. Our legal experts provide guidance on complex issues like job changes or employer requirements, which minimizes the risk of delays or denials. You have access to legal support from start to finish.
Total process transparency
You always know your petition's status. Our platform provides clear timelines and explains the next steps at each stage. It shows all open requirements and upcoming deadlines, which reduces uncertainty and helps you plan for what comes next.
Specialized professional support
We specialize in O-1 petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the unique profiles of software engineers, data scientists, and other specialists, and knows how to frame their complex work for a successful petition.
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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 our detailed guide to learn about the entire O-1 visa process, from initial requirements to final approval, including:
- How to meet the evidentiary criteria
- Step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and your green card path
- Dependent visa options for family
- Timeline and cost breakdowns
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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 need to show extraordinary ability in your field through sustained national or international recognition. USCIS looks for evidence like major awards, articles written about you, a high salary, or significant contributions to your industry. Unlike the H-1B visa, a specific degree isn't mandatory; your proven achievements 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 Form I-129 and gets a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is responsible for the filing fees, which start at $460 but can rise to several thousand with premium processing. They must also provide a detailed job description and work itinerary.
How long does the entire O-1 visa application process typically take to complete?
Standard O-1 processing usually takes two to four months after the petition is submitted. If you choose premium processing for an additional fee, USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days. O-1 petitions don't have an annual cap or lottery, so they can be filed anytime. Consular processing abroad can add another two to four weeks.
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 new O-1 petition for you. You must wait for the new petition to be approved before you can start the new role. This differs from H-1B portability, so it's crucial to plan the transition carefully to maintain your work authorization without any gaps.
What kind of benefits can my spouse and children get with my O-1 status?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 dependent visas, which allow them to live and study in the U.S. However, O-3 status does not permit them to work under any circumstances. This is a key difference from some H-4 spouses, who may be able to apply for work authorization separately.
How can I best prepare for my O-1 visa interview at the U.S. consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, you should bring your I-797 approval notice, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and key evidence supporting your extraordinary ability. A consular officer will likely ask about your achievements and your proposed work in the U.S. Be prepared to clearly explain your accomplishments and how they meet the O-1 criteria.
What is Lighthouse and how does it help professionals with their O-1 visa applications?
Lighthouse is a documentation preparation service for the tech industry. We help you identify the best visa path for your situation and then prepare your application to meet USCIS standards. Our platform helps map your achievements to the O-1 criteria, and we pair you with an experienced immigration attorney who reviews your entire case.
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Navigate your O-1 visa with Lighthouse
We give you clarity on your immigration pathways and a legal team that handles your case from evidence compilation to USCIS submission.