Start your US immigration journey today with a San Francisco O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology 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 across the United States. Unlike other work visas, the O-1 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 to work with employers in San Francisco and beyond.
The visa's dual intent is a significant advantage. 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, with a clear path from an O-1 visa to green card.
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 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 relevant peer group.
Be coming to the United States to continue working in your area of extraordinary ability, not in an unrelated role or field.
A streamlined process for your O-1 petition
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with purpose-built technology to prepare your O-1 petition in weeks, not months. We manage all details, from evidence compilation to USCIS submission, so you focus on your career while we build your case.
Guidance on your options
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It walks you through each requirement and shows how to strengthen your case. Submit a simple form with your information, 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. We help minimize the risk of delays or RFEs and provide guidance on complex situations like job changes. You have access to dedicated legal expertise from start to finish.
Full process transparency
You always know where your petition stands. The platform shows your current status, any outstanding requirements, and all upcoming deadlines. With clear timelines and next steps for each stage, you can plan ahead with total confidence and no surprises.
Designed for skilled professionals
We support professionals in technology, engineering, research, and other advanced fields. Our team understands the unique accomplishments of software engineers, data scientists, and researchers, and presents them as evidence of 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."
Get our complete O-1 visa guide
Read our in-depth guide to understand the entire O-1 visa process, from eligibility to final approval:
- Meet the three-of-eight criteria
- Step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green card path
- Dependent visas for your family
- Timeline and cost breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I qualify for the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability?
The O-1 visa requires proving extraordinary ability in your field with sustained national or international recognition. USCIS looks for evidence like major awards, articles written about you, a high salary, or membership in exclusive groups. Unlike other visas, your track record of achievement is what matters, not a specific educational degree.
What is my employer's responsibility in the O-1 visa sponsorship process?
Your employer or an O‑1 visa agent files Form I-129 on your behalf and must get a written advisory opinion from a relevant peer group. The employer is responsible for the filing fees, which start at $460 but can be higher with premium processing. They also need to provide a contract and a detailed itinerary of your work.
What is the typical processing time for getting an O-1 visa approved?
Standard O-1 processing generally takes two to four months for an approval from USCIS. If you opt for premium processing, you can get a decision within 15 business days. A key benefit is that O-1 petitions are not subject to an annual lottery or cap. After approval, you'll need a few more weeks for the visa interview and stamping at a consulate.
Is it possible for me to switch to a new company on my O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change jobs, but your new employer must 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 differs from H-1B portability, so it's crucial to plan the timing carefully to maintain your work authorization without any interruptions.
What visa status and benefits are available for my spouse and children?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 dependent status. This allows them to live with you 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 H-4 spouses who may be eligible for employment authorization.
What should I expect and how can I prepare for my O-1 visa interview?
For your O-1 visa interview, you'll need your passport, I-797 approval notice, and the supporting documents from your petition. A consular officer will ask about your work, your achievements, and your role in the U.S. Be prepared to clearly articulate your extraordinary ability and why you qualify for the visa.
How does Lighthouse assist professionals with their O-1 visa applications?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps you prepare your immigration documents. We help you understand the best visa path for your profile and then work with you to prepare a strong application that meets USCIS standards. Our team helps map your achievements to the O-1 criteria and connects you with an experienced immigration attorney for review.
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Begin your O-1 journey with Lighthouse
Get clarity on your visa options and a legal team that carries your case from evidence compilation through USCIS submission.