Land your US visa in as little as 2 weeks.

The merit-based US visa for founders, artists, engineers, and creatives. You focus on your work. We handle everything else.

Check my eligibility

People exactly like you

The O-1 works differently depending on your field. Choose yours to see how we build your case.

For artists and creatives: the O-1B

The O-1B covers artists, designers, filmmakers, photographers, and other creative professionals. You don't need a Grammy or an Oscar. Commercial success, critical recognition, and a portfolio of distinguished work are the building blocks of a strong case. You don't need to be famous. You need to be documented.

For musicians and performers: the O-1B

Touring musicians, recording artists, DJs, actors, and dancers frequently qualify for the O-1B. Streaming numbers, live performance history, label deals, and critical reviews all contribute to a winning petition. We work with both emerging and established artists.

For founders and executives: the O-1A

You don't need to have exited a company or raised a Series B. If you have meaningful traction, revenue, investment, users, or press, you likely qualify. We build your case around the evidence USCIS actually looks for, not what sounds impressive to you.

For engineers and scientists: the O-1A

Academic publications, patents, open-source contributions, conference talks, and technical prizes all count as evidence. We've filed successful petitions for software engineers, ML researchers, biotech scientists, and academics transitioning to industry.

From first call to filed petition in 2 weeks

We handle everything. You focus on your work.

You get an honest answer.

We review your background on a 15-minute call and tell you honestly whether you have a strong case, and exactly what evidence would make it stronger. No retainer. No commitment.

You know exactly what your case looks like.

We build your custom evidence map: which achievements to lead with, which expert letters to commission, and which USCIS criteria your background hits. You see the full picture before we file anything.

Your petition is built without you lifting a finger.

Our team writes your expert support letters, drafts the legal brief, curates every exhibit, and reviews the full petition before it leaves our hands. You approve. We file.

Filed in 2 weeks. You get on with your life.

Two weeks in, your petition is filed at USCIS and we manage every communication from there. With premium processing, USCIS issues a decision in 15 business days, and we handle any RFE at no extra charge.

Done for you. What we build into every petition

We handle the entire petition, from first call to filing. You focus on your work; we do the rest.

  • Eligibility strategy — We map which USCIS criteria your record already meets and which to strengthen.
  • Evidence gathering and packaging — We turn your track record into clean, USCIS-ready exhibits.
  • Expert and reference letters — Drafted and coordinated with your recommenders, so you never chase anyone.
  • Full petition drafting — The legal brief and every form, prepared and filed for you.
  • Filing and status tracking — Submitted with USCIS and monitored, with premium processing handled.
  • RFE responses included — If USCIS asks for more, we respond at no additional cost.
  • Updates in your language — Real-time progress in English, French, Spanish, or Portuguese.
  • One team, start to finish — The same people who assess your case build and file it. No handoffs.

Questions we get asked every day

Do I qualify for an O-1?

The O-1 requires evidence of extraordinary ability, but the bar is lower than most people assume. You don't need a Nobel Prize or an Oscar. You need a documented track record of recognition in your field: awards, press, high compensation, speaking invitations, publications, exhibitions, or a critical role at a notable organisation. The free evaluation tells you honestly where you stand.

How long does the O-1 process take?

With Lando, most clients go from evaluation to filed petition in about two weeks. After filing, USCIS standard processing takes two to three months. Premium processing delivers a decision in 15 business days for an additional USCIS fee. If you have a job start date or a status expiry on the horizon, tell us upfront and we plan around it.

What happens if my petition is denied?

93% of the petitions we file are approved. If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, which is a request for clarification rather than a denial, we handle the response at no additional cost. In the rare case of a full denial, we review the decision with you and advise on next steps.

Do I need a US employer to sponsor me?

No. Unlike the H-1B, the O-1 can be petitioned by an agent rather than a direct employer. That means you can use an agency or management company as your petitioner, which lets you freelance, consult for multiple clients, or work for a company that doesn't want to act as the legal petitioner. We can set this up for you.

What is the difference between the O-1A and the O-1B?

The O-1A covers science, business, education, and athletics: founders, engineers, researchers, and most professionals. The O-1B covers the arts, film, and television: artists, designers, musicians, performers, and filmmakers. Both share the same no-lottery, no-cap structure. The evidence categories differ, and we identify which path fits your profile on the evaluation.

Can my spouse or partner work in the US?

O-1 dependents receive an O-3 visa, which allows them to live in the US but not to work. If your spouse needs work authorisation, they would generally need their own visa or work authorisation. We can advise on the best approach for your family during the evaluation.

I've already worked with another immigration attorney. Can you help?

Yes. We frequently work with people who have had slow, expensive, or unsuccessful experiences elsewhere. If you have a prior denial or a half-finished petition, send it to us and we'll review it on the free evaluation and tell you what we would do differently.