Start your US immigration journey today with an O1 lawyer in Westchester County
Lighthouse combines smart technology with legal services from licensed, independent O1 attorneys, helping you navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Advance your career with the O1 visa
The O1 visa allows professionals with a degree to work in specialty occupations for U.S. employers. This employer-sponsored status provides work authorization for three years, extendable to six. It opens doors for experts in fields like technology, finance, and healthcare to work legally in places like Westchester County.
A key benefit is dual intent, which lets you pursue a green card while you hold O1 status. This helps you build a career with U.S. employers. While the new O1 fee rule has added some complexity to the process, the pathway remains a strong option for skilled professionals.
See if you qualify for the O1
You may be eligible for an O1 visa if you meet several key requirements:
- Hold a bachelor's degree or its equivalent in a field that is directly related to your proposed job.
- Have a job offer from a U.S. employer for a specialty occupation, such as an engineer, analyst, or researcher.
- Work with an employer who will sponsor your petition and get a certified Labor Condition Application (LCA) for you.
- Understand that most petitions are subject to the annual lottery, unless your employer is cap-exempt, like a university.
A faster path to your O1 visa
Lighthouse combines legal expertise with our platform to prepare your O1 petition. An O1 visa lawyer handles every detail, from the Labor Condition Application to USCIS submission, so you can focus on your work.
A clear path forward
Our platform helps you explore your visa options. It guides you through all the requirements and shows you how to build a stronger case. Submit your information through a simple form, and we will follow up with potential next steps.
Dedicated legal expertise
Your petition gets a full review from our experienced O1 attorneys. They ensure your application meets all USCIS standards to reduce the risk of delays or RFEs. You get expert guidance on complex matters and have access to legal support throughout the entire process.
Total process transparency
You always know the status of your petition. Our platform shows your petition status, any open requirements, and all future deadlines. This clarity gives you a complete view of the timeline and helps you plan with confidence.
Expertise for skilled professionals
Lighthouse works with engineers, scientists, and other technical professionals. Our team has deep knowledge of the roles, qualifications, and evidence required for specialty occupations in fields like software development, data science, and advanced research.
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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 O1 visa guide
Read our guide for a full breakdown of the O1 process, from eligibility to final approval:
- Step-by-step application process
- O1 visas for dependents
- O1 portability for job changes
- Timeline and cost breakdown
- The 2026 O1 Fee Rule
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Frequently asked questions
How does the O1 lottery work for jobs in Westchester County?
Each March, USCIS accepts O1 registrations for its annual cap. A random lottery selects 85,000 petitions—65,000 for general applicants and 20,000 for those with U.S. master's degrees. If selected, your employer can file your petition. Some employers, like universities or nonprofit research groups, are cap-exempt and can sponsor H-1B workers anytime.
What are the education and job requirements to qualify for an O1 visa?
To qualify, you must possess a bachelor's degree or its equivalent, or hold a license in a specialty occupation field if one is required. The job itself must demand such a degree as a minimum for entry. Your degree must relate to the specialty role you plan to fill for your Westchester employer.
What is my employer's role in the O1 process and who pays the fees?
Your employer must file the O1 petition on your behalf and prove the job is a specialty occupation. The employer pays all required government file fees and associated legal costs. You, the employee, cannot pay for these mandatory expenses. This ensures the employer has a genuine commitment to the sponsorship process and follows labor rules.
How can I change employers in Westchester County if I already have an O1?
You can change jobs through a feature called O1 portability. Your new employer files a new O1 petition for you. Once USCIS accepts the case and issues a receipt notice, you can start work at the new company. You do not need to wait for the final approval, which gives you flexibility to pursue new opportunities.
Can my spouse and children come with me to Westchester County on my O1?
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get H-4 visas to accompany you. They can attend school in the U.S. In some cases, your spouse may be eligible for work authorization. This is generally possible if you have an approved I-140 immigrant petition, which is a step toward a green card.
What is the new $100,000 O1 fee and does it apply to me?
A recent presidential proclamation introduced a $100,000 fee for some new O1 petitions. This fee applies only to petitions for workers who are outside the United States and do not already hold a valid O1 visa. If you are in the U.S. and your employer files for a status change or extension, you are exempt.
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Begin your O1 journey with Lighthouse
With Lighthouse, you get clear guidance on your options and an expert O1 visa lawyer to manage your case from preparation through USCIS submission.