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The O-1 Visa

A work visa for founders, key employees, researchers, artists, and athletes.

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What is the O-1?

A three-year visa that gives you the freedom to work and live in the U.S. With unlimited extensions, no academic requirements, no annual cap, and no wage requirements, the O-1 is one of the most flexible and advantageous U.S. work visas.

The O-1A

For entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers, athletes, and top performers in various fields. Qualify for the O-1A with a major award (think Nobel Prize) or by satisfying at least three of eight flexible O-1A criteria.

The O-1B

For artists, actors, and performers. Qualify for the O-1B with a major award (think Academy Award) or by satisfying at least three of six flexible O-1B criteria.

Which Visa is Best For You?

You don't have to make the decision alone. Consult with one of our immigration experts today.

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Advantages of the O-1

Candidates love the O-1 because it has no degree requirement, flexible criteria, and unlimited extensions, and they can hold numerous O-1s simultaneously. Employers love the O-1 because it allows them to hire and retain top talent without a minimum salary requirement or an annual cap like the H-1B.

"The O-1 approval completely changed by life. Working with Legalpad has allowed me to do what I love and not have to worry about anything, and that's why I don't ever forget this."

Siddharth Pandiya
Founder and CEO of Kona

Direct Path to Green Card

The O-1 offers a direct path to permanent residency via the green card process.

“Legalpad got me an O-1 visa in weeks and now I am submitting my green card. I wasted a fortune with bad lawyers before I found Legalpad.”

Anne McNamara 
Founder and CEO, ShineX

Quick Turnaround

With smart technology, brilliant customer service, and a dedicated team of immigration experts, we prepare high-quality O-1 petitions in weeks. Plus, O-1s can be filed with 15-day premium processing.

"Thanks to Legalpad, I had my O-1 visa filed within a month, and got it approved within 10 working days. I am truly impressed by their efficiency. Also, I have not encountered any immigration firm that was so friendly and easy to work with."

Yuan Xue
Founder and CEO, Luna Landing

Working with Legalpad

We simplify the work visa process so you know exactly what to expect every step of the way.

Step 1

Screen

We hop on a call to make sure you qualify for the O-1

Step 2

Onboard

Together we collect everything you need for a strong O-1

Step 3

Review

Review evidence with your dedicated immigration team

Step 4

Sign

We collect signatures and finalize your petition

Step 5

Ship

Our team mails your case directly to USCIS for review

A work status option spanning a wide range of occupations

The O-1 is not just reserved for celebrities and Nobel prize winners. Entrepreneurs, engineers, scientists, artists, graphic designers, researchers, and executives can all qualify with the right credentials.

Startup Founders

Your investors and customers are in the U.S. Fundraise, hire, meet customers and grow your business within the U.S.

  • Startup Founders
  • Founding Team Members
  • Startups at the Seed Stage and Later 

Engineers & Data Scientists

You're a top engineer or data scientist who is building and discovering new advanced technology:

  • Head of Engineering / Vice President of Engineering
  • Senior Principal Data Scientist
  • Chief Technical Officer (CTO) / Head of Innovation

Researchers

You want to commercialize or continue your research in the U.S. after receiving your degree.

  • Published Academics 
  • Grant Recipients 
  • Significant Contributions in Your Field of Study (e.g. Intellectual Property, Patents)

Artists & Designers

The O-1 is an option for outstanding individuals in just about any field. You may also qualify for the O-1 if you are in the top of your industry in:

  • Graphic Design
  • Visual Arts / Photography
  • Culinary Arts

Executives & Managerial

Executives and managers who are in just about any field may also qualify for the O-1:

  • President / Partner / Chairman
  • Executive Director / Vice President (SVP/VP)
  • C-level (C-suite) such as CEO/COO/CFO

Client Testimonials

| Legalpad | US Work Visa and Immigration Services"The entire process was possibly the most expedited admin work I've gone through, and it can all be attributed to the Legalpad team I was set up with. I have never heard of a 3 business day turnaround for petition acceptance, and I know multiple people who have gone through similar processes. From engagement to acceptance, I estimate it took a little under 3 months, which is amazing." Viren Mohindra
Gently
Sujay Suresh Kumar"The amount of confidence that the team showed in me and my application was incredible even when it felt like all hopes were lost. It's not about the job for Legalpad--it's about helping people out. It is so refreshing to actually talk to a person who says 'let's figure this out together'.” Sujay Suresh Kumar
Lilu
Jacqueline Bennett"The team helped me navigate through multiple challenges unique to 2020 and this resulted in successfully attaining an O1 Visa. Having been through the US Visa process 9 times, I can say from experience,  Legalpad’s knowledge, quality of service, and attention to client’s needs ranks well above other competing services. I’d recommend Legalpad to anyone looking to explore their legal US status." Jacqueline Bennett
Highlands Venture Partners
Sid PandiyaLegalpad made me believe that it wasn’t a matter of if I would get an approval, but a matter of when. I felt taken care of from the first time I met with the team to receiving my approval notice. The O-1 approval completely changed my life. Working with Legalpad has allowed me to be able to do what I love and not have to worry about anything and that’s why I won’t ever forget this. Sid Pandiya
Kona
Simeon Ononobi"The Legalpad team are not human, they are some supernaturally gifted folks. They handle things with clarity, take you by the hand, and they're super responsive. With the type of service they give, I won’t even try to entertain another service provider when it comes to any visa petition or application. They made my petition look like a walk in the park. Legalpad absolutely rocks. I’m a big fan and will continue to tell anyone about them." Simeon Ononobi
ThankUCash
Sasha Miagkyi"My experience with Legalpad was both fast and efficient. The entire process end-to-end took less than 3 months. The team was very professional, communicating with me frequently, and showing a very high quality of work. The structure of their services and payments are very transparent and flexible." Sasha Miagkyi
outloud.ai
Jason Wu"The Legalpad team always responds quickly. I could get ahold of the team ASAP whenever I had any issues to discuss with them. Also, the team members are very kind while working on your case. I can tell that they put themselves in your shoes to prepare the best petition." Jason Wu
DeFiner
Anne Shinex"I have finally found a mega visa lawyer in Legalpad. Legalpad got me an O-1 visa in weeks and I'm now submitting my green card. I had wasted a fortune with bad lawyers before I found them." Anne McNamara
ShineX
Ari Nejadmalayeri"I can sincerely say that Legalpad is the catalyst immigrant entrepreneurs need to build a dream company in the dreamland! They are a knowledgeable and friendly team, creating an experience beyond typical attorney-client relationships. Legalpad is a true living example of a great team: whoever you interact with, you feel a fully streamlined, personalized, and high-precision experience. I’m beyond grateful to be able to work with this incredible team!" Ari Nejadmalayeri
Wellian
Basia Kubicka"Legalpad is the only firm that convinced me I met the O-1 visa criteria. They nailed the whole process and made the impossible possible. Legalpad changed my life by allowing me to build a company and my life in the U.S. No words can express how extremely grateful I am." Basia Kubicka
SliceUp
Arun Seelam"Before I went to Legalpad, I went to several attorneys. I wasn't happy or confident with anyone I talked to. When I talked to Logan, I knew Legalpad was the company I wanted to work with. They were dedicated throughout the whole process and the entire team gave me confidence that made the experience less stressful. They took a challenging situation and made it easy." Arun Seelam
Boson Motors
Cal Wilkes"Legalpad helped me navigate the toughest immigration atmosphere during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their amazing team kept me up to date with the latest immigration developments while working to file my application. Without their help to obtain my visa, my company and I would not have been able to effectively come out ahead." Cal Wilkes
HotSpot CookTop
Bhavya Gohil"I’m thankful for Legalpad’s persistence and dedication in making my O-1 dreams a reality. The team was efficient and pleasurable to work with throughout the entire process. If you’re looking for a positive outcome, Legalpad is the way to go!" Bhavya Gohil
Square Off
Jijo Sunny"Our experience working with Legalpad lived up to the hype. They were relentless and confident every step of the way, and for someone who didn't feel particularly 'extraordinary' for an O-1, they made us feel that it's actually possible." Jijo Sunny
Buy Me a Coffee
| Legalpad | US Work Visa and Immigration Services"The entire process was seamless! Everyone at Legalpad has always been extremely helpful, polite and proactive. It really surprised me how well they understand that ourselves (visa candidate and sponsoring company) are not fully aware of the details for composing the required documents and information, and that we are always busy - so Legalpad team has been holding an invaluable amount of support and guidance for getting the blocking things done while taking up definitely the least amount of time possible from us. The quality of the letters and the arguments created for the case are impressively great!" Anycart
Anycart
Raj Sahu"The one thing I super liked about the Legalpad team is the attention to detail. The legal and operations team made sure that all of the information was well documented. They are professional, always available to answer your queries, and go above and beyond to help you navigate the complex process. I can vouch for the Legalpad team to be your partner in your journey of obtaining an O-1 visa." Raj Sahu
Utobo
| Legalpad | US Work Visa and Immigration ServicesLegalpad worked at the speed I needed them too during various stages of my O-1A application. The team understood my busy schedule, and I was able to complete everything in my own time with limited time and pressure. On the flipside, when I needed to move fast, Legalpad was there too! Kami Krista
Elio

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