Start your US immigration journey today with a Phoenix O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines our 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 individuals with extraordinary ability to work in their specialized fields for U.S. employers in Phoenix and beyond. Unlike other work visas, the O-1 has no annual cap. It provides an initial stay of up to three years, with unlimited one-year extensions. This pathway creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
The visa's dual intent offers a significant advantage. This feature means you can pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. The flexibility of the O-1 visa to green card path makes it a strong option 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 of endeavor.
- Provide proof 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 sponsor your petition and get an advisory opinion from a peer group or relevant organization.
- Be coming to the United States to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability, ensuring your work aligns with your proven expertise.
Our streamlined process for your O-1 petition
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with 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 as 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 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 receives a thorough review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets all USCIS standards. Our legal team provides guidance on complex issues like job changes or amendments and works to minimize the risk of delays or RFEs, with expert support available throughout the process.
A clear path forward
You always know your petition's status. Our platform shows your progress, lists all requirements, and tracks important deadlines. We provide clear timelines and explain what comes next at each stage. This transparency removes uncertainty and helps you plan ahead.
Expertise in advanced fields
Our focus is O-1 petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. We understand the distinct profiles of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and know how to translate complex technical contributions into a compelling case for extraordinary ability.
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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 complete O-1 visa guide
Read our comprehensive guide to the O-1 visa to understand the full process from start to finish, including:
- The three-of-eight criteria
- Dual intent and green card path
- Dependent visas for family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
- Step-by-step petition process
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Frequently asked questions
What are the eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa?
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field through sustained national or international acclaim. USCIS evaluates evidence such as major awards, published work about you, high salary, membership in distinguished organizations, and significant contributions to your industry. Unlike the H-1B, there is no specific degree requirement—your achievements speak for themselves.
What must my employer do to sponsor an O-1 visa?
Your employer or O-1 visa agent must file Form I-129 with USCIS and get a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is responsible for all filing fees, which start at $460 but can increase with premium processing. They must also provide a detailed description of your proposed work and duties.
How long does O-1 visa processing take?
Standard O-1 processing takes 2-4 months from petition submission to approval. With premium processing, USCIS guarantees a response within 15 business days. Unlike H-1B visas, O-1 petitions have no annual cap or lottery, so your employer can file at any time. After approval, consular processing abroad typically adds another 2-4 weeks.
Can I change employers while on O-1 status?
Yes. Your new employer must file a new O-1 petition with USCIS before you start work. Unlike H-1B portability, you cannot begin employment upon receipt of the filing—you must wait for approval. Plan your transition carefully to avoid gaps in work authorization. The new petition requires fresh evidence and a new advisory opinion from a peer group.
What benefits can my spouse and dependents receive on O-1 status?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for O-3 dependent visas. O-3 visa holders may live in the U.S. and attend school full-time. However, O-3 dependents cannot accept employment under any circumstances. This differs from certain H-4 spouses who may qualify for work authorization through separate applications.
How should I prepare for my O-1 visa interview at the consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, bring your approval notice (I-797), a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation, and evidence supporting your extraordinary ability claims. The consular officer may ask about your achievements, your role with the petitioner, and your plans in the U.S. Be ready to explain your work in plain terms.
What is Lighthouse and how can it help with my O-1 visa?
Lighthouse is a documentation preparation service designed to simplify U.S. immigration. We first help you understand the best visa pathway for your unique profile. Once a path is chosen, our team of experienced O-1 visa attorneys and legal experts prepares your application, mapping your accomplishments to USCIS criteria to build the strongest possible case.
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Begin your O-1 journey with Lighthouse
With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your immigration options and a legal team that manages your case from evidence compilation to USCIS submission.