Book a Consultation

An O-1A Process, Built for Modern Innovators.

The world's leading talent doesn't fit into standard immigration pathways. That's why we combine specialized O-1A expertise, data-driven case strategy, and a streamlined tech-first experience to help extraordinary professionals.

O-1A extraordinary ability visa: recognizes sustained national or international acclaim, for leaders, innovators and trailblazers, no labor certification required, brings flexibility and global mobility

The O-1A visa is designed for professionals who have achieved a high level of distinction in their field. Eligibility is determined by demonstrated accomplishments, recognition, and expertise not by annual lottery allocation.

  • No H1B lottery dependency Apply when you are ready. Decisions are based on merit, not random selection.
  • Work with multiple employers Through an agent petitioner structure, work across projects or companies simultaneously.
  • Builds toward EB-1A An approved O-1A can strengthen a future green card petition by showing recognition of extraordinary ability.

Most accomplished tech professionals qualify for more than three without realizing it. The challenge is not eligibility - it is framing.

  1. Awards and Recognition

    National or international prizes, industry honors, competitive fellowships, and research grants.

  2. Elite Memberships

    Memberships requiring outstanding achievement, such as senior or distinguished professional memberships.

  3. Published Material About You

    Coverage in major media, industry publications, or reports recognizing your work.

  4. Judging the Work of Others

    Reviewing journals, grants, hackathons, conference submissions, or evaluation panels.

  5. Major Original Contributions

    Patents, open-source frameworks, algorithms, or research widely adopted or cited.

  6. Scholarly Authorship

    Peer-reviewed publications, conference proceedings, or widely referenced technical writing.

  7. Critical Role

    Key leadership at a recognized company, research institution, or funded startup.

  8. High Salary

    Compensation significantly above peers, documented through offers, pay stubs, or agreements.

For professionals with strong track records, the O-1A can be a stronger, more flexible option than waiting on the H1B lottery.

O-1A visa compared with the H1B visa
Criterion O-1A Visa H1B Visa
Lottery required No lottery. Apply any time. Yes. Annual lottery odds vary.
Annual cap No cap. Unlimited. 85,000 per year.
Employer flexibility Multiple employers or agent petitioner allowed. Single employer. Transfer required to switch.
Processing with premium 15 business days. Available for some filings.
Basis for approval Your achievements and recognition. Employer sponsorship and specialty occupation.
Founder eligible Yes. Through an agent petitioner structure. Limited. Requires employer control.
Green card path Can strengthen EB-1A positioning. Often leads to PERM or EB2/EB3 sponsorship.

Every O-1A case starts with one question: how do we prove your recognition in a way that matters to USCIS?

  1. Profile Strategy We map your background against all eight USCIS criteria and identify the strongest filing path.
  2. Evidence Translation Judging invites, media features, leadership roles, and technical contributions translated into USCIS-aligned evidence.
  3. Recommendation Letters We brief recommenders and draft letters built around each USCIS criterion, not generic endorsements.
  4. EB-1A Path Planning We build your O-1A with your long-term immigration goals in mind from day one.
  5. Pre-Filing USCIS Officer Review Available on Elite plans. A former USCIS officer reviews your complete petition before filing to identify and close gaps before submission.

** Former USCIS officer review is provided in an advisory capacity only and does not guarantee approval or influence USCIS adjudication. All legal work is performed and supervised by licensed attorneys.

Every plan includes attorney-led preparation and filing. Choose the level of protection that fits your situation.

Essential

Core Filing

$6,500

  • Attorney-led petition preparation and filing
  • Case tracking and status updates
  • Committed preparation timeline*
  • Dedicated case support throughout the filing process
Get Started
Most Popular Premium

Protected Filing

$8,500

  • Everything in Essential
  • One complimentary refile, if eligible* or 50% fee protection*
  • Enhanced case strategy support
Get Started
Elite

Maximum Protection

$13,950

  • Everything in Essential
  • Independent pre-filing review by a former USCIS officer
  • Up to 80% fee protection after two unsuccessful filings*
  • Enhanced attorney oversight and case review
Get Started

** Plan benefits, eligibility requirements, and fee protection terms are subject to the Pricing Terms & Conditions and Engagement Agreement. RFE/NOID responses may incur additional fees of $2,500. Please review the full Pricing Terms & Conditions for details.

Still have questions? Schedule a free evaluation and we will assess your profile directly.

What is the O-1A visa and how is it different from H1B?

The O-1A is a work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability. Unlike H1B, it has no annual lottery, no cap, and does not require a traditional employer sponsor.

Can startup founders use the O-1A visa?

Yes. Founders can use their own company as the petitioner or work through a U.S.-based agent who represents multiple projects or employers.

How many O-1A criteria do I need to meet?

At least three of eight. We assess your profile against all eight criteria in your free evaluation.

Does an O-1A approval help my EB-1A green card case?

Yes. A USCIS-approved O-1A can provide strong supporting evidence for a later EB-1A petition when positioned properly.

How long does the O-1A process take?

With premium processing, USCIS issues a decision in 15 business days. Standard processing timelines vary by service center and filing type.

Stop Waiting on the Lottery. Start Building Your Case.

Attorney-led O-1A representation focused on strategic case development, strong supporting evidence, and trusted guidance from evaluation through filing.

Schedule a Consultation Explore EB-1A