Start your US immigration journey today with a South Dakota O-1 visa lawyer
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from 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 allows individuals with extraordinary ability to work in their specialized fields in South Dakota and beyond. Unlike many work visas, it has no annual cap. An employer sponsors the visa for an initial period of up to three years, with options for unlimited one-year extensions. This pathway creates opportunities for top professionals in science, arts, education, business, and athletics to join U.S. employers.
A significant advantage is the visa’s dual intent. This feature lets you pursue permanent residence while you hold O-1 status. The flexibility of the O-1 visa to green card transition makes it a strong choice 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.
- Provide evidence of a major international 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.
- Be coming to the U.S. to continue working in your specific area of extraordinary ability or achievement.
A simpler way to your O-1 visa
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform 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 clear path forward
Our platform clarifies your visa possibilities. It guides you through each requirement, explains the necessary documents, and shows how to build a stronger case. Submit your details, and we will respond with advice on your path forward.
Expert legal review
Your petition gets a thorough review from experienced O-1 visa attorneys who know USCIS standards inside and out. They provide guidance on complex issues like employer requirements or amendments and ensure your application avoids common pitfalls that lead to delays, RFEs, or denials. You have legal expertise on your side.
Total process transparency
You always know your petition's status. Our platform shows all outstanding requirements and upcoming deadlines in one place. Clear timelines and explanations for each stage remove uncertainty and help you plan with confidence. You see exactly what happens next.
Expertise for technical roles
We specialize in petitions for professionals in technology, engineering, and research. Our team understands the nuances of roles like software engineer and data scientist, and frames your qualifications to meet the strict O-1 visa criteria 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 comprehensive O-1 visa guide
Read our in-depth guide to understand the full O-1 visa process from initial eligibility to final approval, including:
- Meet the three-of-eight criteria
- The step-by-step petition process
- Dual intent and green cards
- Visa options for your family
- Costs and timeline breakdown
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Frequently asked questions
How can I prove I have the extraordinary ability needed for an O-1 visa?
You must show sustained national or international acclaim in your field. This involves providing evidence like major awards, articles written about your work, a high salary, or leadership roles in distinguished organizations. Unlike other visas, a specific degree isn't required; your professional achievements are what matter most to USCIS for O-1 qualification.
What are my employer’s responsibilities and costs for sponsoring my 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. They are responsible for the filing fees, which start at $460 but can increase with premium processing. The employer must also submit a contract and a detailed itinerary of your proposed work.
How long should I expect the entire O-1 visa application process to take?
Standard processing for an O-1 petition typically takes two to four months. If you opt for premium processing, USCIS provides a decision within 15 business days. Since the O-1 visa has no annual lottery or cap, you can file anytime. After approval, allow a few more weeks for the consular interview and visa stamping.
Is it possible for me to switch jobs while I am on an O-1 visa?
Yes, you can change employers, but your new company must file a brand-new O-1 petition on your behalf. You cannot start the new job until that petition is officially approved by USCIS. This process requires submitting updated evidence of your extraordinary ability and securing a new advisory opinion, so plan your transition accordingly.
What are the rules for my spouse and children if I get an O-1 visa?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for O-3 dependent status, allowing them to live and study in the U.S. with you. However, it is important to note 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 will need your passport, DS-160 confirmation, and the I-797 approval notice. Be prepared to discuss your achievements and your planned work in the U.S. in simple terms. The consular officer wants to verify your qualifications and understand the nature of your extraordinary ability and your role.
How does Lighthouse help professionals like me with the O-1 visa application process?
Lighthouse is a documentation preparation service that helps you understand your visa options based on hundreds of successful cases. Once you choose a path, our platform and team of legal experts help prepare your application. We map your achievements to USCIS criteria and connect you with an experienced O-1 visa attorney for review.
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Navigate your O-1 visa with Lighthouse
Get clarity on your immigration options and a legal team that handles your case from preparing evidence to filing with USCIS.