Looking for a temporary work visa in one of the most advanced economies in the world? The O1 Visa is non-immigrant visa for foreign nationals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics.
If you are at the top of your field and can demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim, then the O1 Visa may be the perfect option. Hiring an O1 Visa lawyer can speed up the application process, help collect the documents, and provide other reliable evidence to support your case.
This guide breaks down the legal role of visa attorneys and lawyers and their impact on the application process, so you can make your American dream a reality.
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Why use a specialized O1 Visa lawyer?
While the O1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa with high approval rates, it is designed only for the most recognized experts at the top of their field. It has strict eligibility criteria, tailored toward foreign nationals with extraordinary ability and with national or international recognition.
O1 Visa lawyers can help collect specific types of evidence to demonstrate extraordinary achievement and ensure a smooth application process. Here’s what legal experts have to offer.
Smooth processing
O1 Visa lawyers can identify the strongest piece of evidence to support your case. They have extensive knowledge of what constitutes extraordinary ability in various fields (i.e., science, arts, business, athletics, education, motion picture or the television industry). They can submit comparable evidence to establish eligibility with government agencies.
Risk mitigation
The best O1 Visa lawyer can reduce the risk of issues related to unauthorized employment or lack of evidence. Immigration lawyers can craft a coherent and persuasive petition letter that ties together all reliable evidence. They play a key role in spotting gaps in your application and improving them to increase your chances of success.
Privacy and protection
O1 immigration lawyers safeguard information to ensure client-lawyer confidentiality. Every law firm collecting, storing, transferring, and processing personal data for foreign nationals must have a distinguished reputation for ensuring proper safety and security.
Role of an O1 Visa Lawyer
The O1 Visa lawyer is responsible for various stages of the application process. These include:
- Initial consultation: Before you apply for an O1 Visa, the immigration lawyer will check whether you fit the eligibility criteria for the non-immigrant visa and discuss your goals.
- Document gathering: The O1 Visa attorney collects documents such as scholarly articles, professional journals, or internationally recognized awards like a Nobel Prize, an Oscar, or an Olympic Medal. Extraordinary achievement can also include business-related contributions in areas like marketing, management, and innovation.
- Eligibility assessment: Experts provide legal counsel on US immigration law. They can assess your eligibility criteria for extraordinary achievement or sustained national or international acclaim.
- Visa application: Acting as an intermediary between you and the US government agencies, the lawyer initiates your O-1 petition with the National Visa Center (NVC) and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Follow-up: The lawyer addresses any queries or provides additional documentation for US officials.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting O1 Visa Through a Lawyer
The steps for filing an O-1 Visa for foreign nationals include:
- Check O-1 Visa requirements. To qualify, you must have extraordinary ability or hold international recognition. The lawyer can collect and submit comparable evidence under the O-1A (sciences, education, business, athletics) or O-1B (arts, motion picture or television industry) criteria.
- Secure a U.S. sponsor and contract. You cannot self-petition. You must find a US employer or a US agent to support your O1 Visa application.
- Receive an advisory opinion. A written advisory opinion from a peer group, labor organization, or an expert in your field is mandatory. This letter supports your extraordinary achievement.
- Complete all application forms. Your sponsor or employer files the Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker). Government filing fees must be paid, and with optional premium processing, you can get a decision in 15 business days. You must also file the DS-160 to complete the non-immigrant visa application.
- Schedule an interview. Book an appointment at a US embassy or consulate and bring your passport, USCIS filing fee receipt, I-797 approval notice, and other reliable evidence participation.
- Get your O1 Visa. The US consulate applies an O-1 Visa stamp on the valid passport, allowing visa holders to move and work in the United States.
Why work with Global Citizen Solutions?
Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique investment migration consultancy firm focused on finding the right residency or citizenship by investment program for individuals wishing to secure their future and become global citizens. With offices in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Brazil, our multilingual team guides individuals and families from start to finish, providing expert advice considering freedom, mobility, taxation, and security.
- We have helped hundreds of clients from 35+ countries in all the top Residency by Investment and Citizenship by Investment programs. With an in-depth and comprehensive understanding of the area, we provide our clients with solid guidance. We have a team of immigration lawyers, and immigration advisers specialized in US immigration.
- Our team has never had a case rejected. Our 100 percent approval rate sets us apart from our competitors and guarantees that you can expect a successful application.
- Our transparent pricing covers all the processes from opening your bank account, document certification, and legal due diligence to investment and submission. As there is one fee for the entire process, you can be confident that you will not face any hidden costs later.
- All data is stored within a GDPR-compliant database on a secure SSL-encrypted server. You can be safe knowing that your personal data is treated with the utmost security.
- Global Citizen Solutions provides an all-encompassing solution. Our support can continue even after you receive your passport. We offer additional services such as company incorporation, Trusts, and Foundations formation.
- The BeGlobal Onboarding System® allows you to access the status of your application every step of the way, something that sets us apart from our competitors.
Frequently Asked Questions About O-1 Visa Lawyers
What does an O1 Visa lawyer do?
An O1 Visa lawyer specializes in US immigration law. They can assess your qualifications for outstanding achievements and help you collect the necessary evidence to support your case. They streamline the application process, maximize your chances of approval, and act as an intermediary between you and the US government officials.
How can an O-1 Visa attorney help with my application?
O-1 Visa attorneys complete your application carefully and diligently. They provide all the supporting documents for significant recognition and outstanding achievements before they send your application. The attorney will promptly attend to the request if the visa officer requires additional clarification or documentation.
Do I need a lawyer for an O-1 Visa?
It’s not mandatory to hire a lawyer, but it’s highly recommended if things don’t work out well. Recognized experts must build a strong case to get approved, which can be time-consuming. The lawyer protects your interests and avoids rejection for incorrect filing or lack of documentation.
How to find the best O1 Visa lawyer near me?
The best way to find a top-rated O1 Visa lawyer is to look for legal experts with experience working with employment-based visas. Check out client reviews and success rates, and ask for referrals. Book a consultation to meet the lawyer to discuss your goals and budget.
How much does it cost to hire an O-1 Visa attorney?
The O1 Visa lawyer cost can vary from $5,000 to $15,000 or more, depending on the complexity of your case, your location, and the lawyer’s experience. Some experts charge flat fees, while others provide hourly rates.
Is it better to hire a local or national O1 Visa lawyer?
Immigration is the most complex area of US law, and the permutations and complications can be endless. Both local and national O-1 Visa lawyers can convince the US government that you are a suitable candidate with extraordinary achievements who can benefit the US economy.
What qualifications should I look for in an O-1 Visa attorney?
Look for experts with a proven track record in immigration law and a high success rate with O1 petitions. The best O1 Visa attorney has a positive reputation, effective communication, and experience in demonstrating extraordinary ability.
Can an O-1 Visa lawyer help with expedited processing?
O-1 Visa lawyers are here to advocate, process, and dispute the case on your behalf. They can streamline the application process and provide only the most reliable evidence to increase the approval rate. The O-1 is a temporary visa, which doesn’t lead to a Green Card.
What are the benefits of hiring an O1 Visa agent?
Hiring immigration experts offers many advantages, such as verified documentation, strategic planning, and accurate representation based on the latest laws and O-1 Visa requirements. The O1 Visa agent ensures your application is error-free.
Can I apply for the O-1 Visa as an entrepreneur?
Yes, absolutely! The O-1 visa, specifically the O-1A category, is a viable option for entrepreneurs with extraordinary achievements in the field of business. Eligible applicants often have major commercial success, a high salary, and have played a critical role in managing a business. But if you can’t prove extraordinary achievement, you can apply for a USA Investor Visa, such as the EB-5 immigrant visa or E-2 Treaty Investor Visa.
What are some examples of evidence I can use for the O-1 Visa?
For an O-1 Visa, evidence includes awards (e.g., Academy Award, Director’s Guild Award, internationally recognized prizes), published materials about you in major trade publications or major newspapers, and other major media. You can also show critically acclaimed successes, box office receipts, and demonstrate a critical role in organizations requiring outstanding achievements.
What proof do I need for the O-1 Visa beyond basic credentials?
Beyond basic qualifications, you need to show major significance in your field. This includes demonstrating other occupational achievements and receiving international awards. Documentation of your work and recognition in trade journals or other reputable publications can prove sustained national or international acclaim.
