Chicago O-1 Visa Lawyer
Partner with a Dedicated Immigration Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois
To obtain an O-1 visa to come to the United States, those who are considered to have extraordinary abilities and have been recognized on a national or international level for their achievements in:
- Athletics
- The sciences
- Education
- Art
- Motion pictures
- Television
- Or business
If you are seeking an O-1 visa or you are seeking to help a prospective employee obtain the O-1 visa, count on Panteva Law Group, LLC. Our team has the skill, experience, and determination needed to see your case through to a successful resolution.
Contact our Chicago O-1 Visa lawyer online or call (312) 471-0014 to learn more about the O-1 visa and whether you may qualify for it.
We speak Bulgarian, Spanish, Mandarin, and French.
Understanding the Types of O-1 Visas Available
There are two types of O-1 visas. Both are considered non-immigrant visas, meaning they only grant temporary permission to work in the U.S.
Panteva Law Group, LLC can help you apply for an:
- O-1A: This is for individuals who have proven extraordinary ability in athletics, business, education, or the sciences. This excludes the arts and visual entertainment industry
- O-1B: This is for individuals who have proven extraordinary ability in the arts or have significant achievements in the television or motion picture industries
- O-2 visa: This visa is for individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. This visa requires that they be an essential part of the O-1 applicant’s performance.
- O-3 visa: This visa is for spouses or children of O-1 applicants.
Eligibility Criteria for O-1 Visa Applicants
To qualify for an O-1 visa, the applicant must provide evidence of their eligibility in order to come to the United States to work on a temporary basis in their area of expertise.
Depending on your field, you must prove:
- Your extraordinary ability
- How you excel in your specialty
- That you have national or international recognition
- And your stay in the U.S. must also be temporary
Some examples of acceptable evidence may include:
- Awards
- Ranking/title at your business
- Outstanding or significant research
- Certifications and degrees
Step-by-Step Guide to the O-1 Visa Application Process
To apply for an O-1 visa, you must file Form I-29, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS office. The petition can’t be filled out more than one year before the actual need for entering the U.S. The ideal time to apply for an O-1 visa is at least 90 days before the date of employment.
The application process for an O-1 visa can be complex. It’s vital to have an experienced attorney on your side who can guide you through the application process and ensure that you provide the evidence necessary to demonstrate that you are qualified for an O-1 visa. Failing to apply for the visa adequately can affect your ability to obtain the visa.
Can an O-1 Visa Transition to a Green Card?
The O-1 visa allows you to live and work in the United States and can be renewed multiple times, however, it cannot lead to permanent residency in the U.S.
In order to do so, you must change from a nonimmigrant classification to an immigrant one, such as a family based-visa or an employment-based visa category, including:
To do this you will need to apply for an immigrant visa or achieve this via adjustment of status.
How Our Experienced Chicago O-1 Visa Lawyers Can Help
At Panteva Law Group, we understand the complex criteria required to qualify for an O-1 visa. A member of our team will carefully assess your credentials and develop a strategy to highlight your achievements, awards, publications, media recognition, and other evidence that demonstrates your extraordinary abilities. We also work closely with employers and sponsors to ensure all documentation meets USCIS standards.
Our attorneys stay up to date on immigration policies and trends, allowing us to anticipate challenges and craft persuasive petitions. If you receive a Request for Evidence (RFE), we will respond with a strong legal argument backed by additional supporting materials.
By following our guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls, ensure that all documents are filed correctly, and navigate the process smoothly. We can assist you with all your immigration needs, whether you are applying for an O-1 visa for the first time or seeking a renewal or extension. Contact Cairns Law Offices today to discuss your case and take the next step toward securing your O-1 visa.
Start Your O-1 Visa Application with Our Chicago Immigration Team
It’s important to begin the petition sooner rather than later – it must be filed at least 45 days before the date of employment and a substantial amount of documentary evidence must be provided.
When you work with Panteva Law Group, LLC, you can trust that our team will take the time to understand your needs and work to find a solution that meets the requirements of ever-changing business immigration law.
Reach out to our team today to find out if we are the right fit for you.
Call (312) 471-0014 or contact us online to speak with a Chicago O-1 visa attorney.
