Start your US immigration journey today with a Seattle O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent O-1 visa attorneys to help you navigate your application 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 Seattle and beyond. It has no annual cap and is granted for up to three years, with unlimited one-year extensions. This creates opportunities for top talent in sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics.
The visa's dual intent is a key advantage, as it allows you to pursue a green card while on O-1 status. This flexibility makes the O-1 a strong option for professionals who build long-term careers in the U.S. The path from an O-1 visa to green card is straightforward.
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 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 U.S. with the specific purpose of continuing to work in your area of extraordinary ability and expertise.
A streamlined path to your O-1 visa
Lighthouse unites legal expertise with purpose-built 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.
A guided visa process
Explore your visa options with our platform. It guides you through all the requirements and explains how to prepare a strong case. After you submit your information via a simple form, we will provide guidance on possible ways forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition receives a thorough review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys to ensure it meets strict USCIS standards. We provide guidance on complex scenarios and work to minimize the risk of delays or RFEs. You have access to dedicated legal expertise from start to finish.
Total process transparency
You always know your application's status. Our platform provides clear timelines and shows your petition progress, outstanding requirements, and key deadlines. This transparency removes uncertainty and lets you plan with confidence.
Expertise for skilled professionals
We specialize in O-1 petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the unique requirements of software engineers, data scientists, and other advanced roles, and knows how to present your qualifications for a successful application.
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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 guide for a complete overview of the O-1 visa process, from eligibility to approval, including:
- Meet the three-of-eight criteria
- The 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
What are the eligibility requirements for an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability?
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must prove extraordinary ability in your field through sustained national or international acclaim. USCIS looks for evidence like major awards, articles about your work, a high salary, or significant contributions to your industry. Unlike other visas, a specific degree isn't required; 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 peer group in your field. The employer is responsible for filing fees, which can range from the base $460 to several thousand dollars if you choose premium processing. They must also provide a detailed job description.
How long does the entire O-1 visa process typically take from start to finish?
Standard O-1 processing usually takes 2-4 months for approval after the petition is submitted. If you opt for premium processing, which costs an additional $2,805, USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days. Since there's no lottery or annual cap, your employer can file anytime. Consular processing abroad can add another 2-4 weeks.
Is it possible for me to change employers while I am on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change jobs, but your new employer must file a completely new O-1 petition on your behalf. You cannot start the new role until this petition is approved, unlike the H-1B's portability rules. This process requires fresh evidence of your extraordinary ability and a new advisory opinion from a relevant peer group.
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, allowing them to live and study in the U.S. with you. However, it's important to know that O-3 visa holders are not permitted to work under any circumstances. This is a key difference from some H-4 spouses who may be eligible for work authorization.
How can I best prepare for my O-1 visa interview at the U.S. consulate?
For your O-1 visa interview, bring your I-797 approval notice, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and supporting evidence of your achievements. Be prepared to clearly explain your work and accomplishments to the consular officer. They will want to understand your role with the petitioning employer and why your skills are considered extraordinary.
What is Lighthouse and how does it help professionals with their O-1 visa applications?
Lighthouse is a platform that helps you prepare your immigration documentation. We help you understand the best visa path for your situation and then work with you to prepare a strong application that meets USCIS standards. Our team maps your accomplishments to the O-1 criteria and connects you with an experienced attorney who reviews your case.
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Pursue your O-1 visa with Lighthouse
Get clarity on your visa options and let our legal experts handle your case from preparing evidence to filing with USCIS.