Orlando O-1 Visa Lawyer

Extraordinary Talent Deserves Extraordinary Representation

If you are an individual with extraordinary ability in your field, the O-1 visa may be your gateway to working and thriving in the United States. At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., our experienced Orlando O-1 visa lawyers are committed to helping talented professionals, artists, scientists, athletes, and business leaders navigate the complexities of the O-1 visa process.

Whether you're pursuing a major contract, working on a prestigious project, or contributing to groundbreaking research, our firm is here to ensure your application highlights your achievements and meets the high standards required for approval.

Call (407) 630-8455 now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your consultation with a dedicated Orlando O-1 visa attorney.

What is an O-1 Visa?

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for individuals who possess extraordinary ability or achievement in specific fields. It is divided into two main categories:

• O-1A Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
• O-1B Visa – For individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

This visa allows foreign nationals to temporarily live and work in the U.S. to contribute their unique talents to American institutions, companies, or productions. O-1 visas are typically granted for an initial period of up to three years, with possible extensions in one-year increments depending on the duration of the project.

Eligibility for O-1 Visa

To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate national or international acclaim in your field and show that you are coming to the U.S. to continue work in your area of extraordinary ability.

O-1A Eligibility Criteria

You must meet at least three of the following criteria, or provide evidence of a major internationally recognized award:

• Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence
• Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements
• Published material about you in professional or major trade publications
• Participation as a judge of others in your field
• Original contributions of major significance to your field
• Authorship of scholarly articles
• Employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations with a distinguished reputation
• High salary or remuneration compared to others in the field

O-1B Eligibility Criteria

You must show extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts or entertainment industries. This typically involves:

• A lead or starring role in productions or events
• National or international recognition for achievements
• Critical reviews, publications, or endorsements
• High earnings or significant commercial success
• Prestigious awards or nominations (e.g., Grammy, Emmy, Academy Award)

Our knowledgeable Orlando O-1 visa attorneys will help evaluate your credentials and assemble the strongest possible evidence package for USCIS.

How to Get an O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa process is highly document-intensive. Working with an experienced immigration attorney can be the difference between approval and denial. Here’s a general overview of the process:

1. Hire an Orlando O-1 Visa Lawyer

Working with Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. ensures your petition is presented professionally and effectively. We help tailor your case to meet USCIS standards.

2. Secure a U.S. Sponsor or Agent

The O-1 visa requires a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor to file the petition on your behalf. In some cases, self-petitioning may be possible if an agent is used to represent multiple employers.

3. Prepare and File Form I-129

The U.S. sponsor files Form I-129 with USCIS, along with supporting documentation that proves:

• Your extraordinary ability
• The nature of the work in the U.S.
• A written consultation from a peer group, labor organization, or management organization in your field

4. Obtain USCIS Approval

Once approved, you may apply for an O-1 visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy abroad, or change status if you are already in the U.S.

5. Enter and Begin Working in the U.S.

After receiving your visa stamp, you may enter the U.S. and begin working according to the terms laid out in your petition.

O-1 Visa FAQs

Can I bring my family on an O-1 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany you on an O-3 visa. They can reside in the U.S. but are not permitted to work.

Can I work for multiple employers on an O-1 visa?

Yes, but each employer must be listed in the petition, or a U.S. agent must file a petition covering multiple employers. You must clearly outline the schedule and nature of employment.

Can an O-1 visa lead to a green card?

Yes. While the O-1 visa is non-immigrant, many recipients later apply for permanent residency through EB-1A (extraordinary ability green card) or other employment-based categories.

How long does it take to get an O-1 visa?

Processing times vary, but regular USCIS processing typically takes 2–3 months. Premium processing (15 calendar days) is available for an additional fee.

Do I need an attorney to apply for an O-1 visa?

While not legally required, an experienced Orlando O-1 visa lawyer can significantly improve your chances by properly structuring your case and guiding you through complex requirements.

Why Choose Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A.?

At Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A., we have successfully helped world-class professionals, artists, researchers, and entertainers obtain the O-1 visa and fulfill their dreams in the U.S. We offer:

• Personalized, strategic legal guidance
• In-depth knowledge of immigration law and USCIS adjudication trends
• Strong experience preparing expert recommendation letters and compelling evidence portfolios
• Multilingual support and culturally competent service

Our mission is to help exceptional individuals like you thrive in the U.S. With a deep understanding of both the legal and cultural aspects of immigration, our Orlando O-1 visa lawyers are ready to advocate for your success.

We invite you to reach out to us at (407) 630-8455 for a consultation tailored to your needs.