Special Achievements
O-1 (Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Abilities)
What is this visa?
The O-1 visa is for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements in their field, such as science, arts, education, business, or athletics. This visa is often used by people who have reached a high level of recognition or expertise.
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Example situations:
- A scientist with groundbreaking research
- A world-famous artist or musician
- An Olympic athlete competing in the U.S.
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Duration:
Up to 3 years, with extensions in 1-year increments for ongoing projects
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 2–3 months
- Expedited processing (Premium Processing): 15 calendar days
Note: Applicants must provide strong evidence of their extraordinary achievements, such as awards, publications, or significant contributions to their field.
Free case evaluationEB-1 (Visa for People with Exceptional Talent, Professors, and Researchers)
What is this visa?
The EB-1 visa is a Green Card category for people with extraordinary abilities, outstanding professors or researchers, and multinational executives. It is a direct path to permanent residency for highly qualified individuals.
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Example situations:
- A professor with internationally recognized research
- A corporate executive being transferred to manage a U.S. office
- An artist with exceptional achievements
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Duration:
Permanent residency (Green Card)
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 12–18 months
- Expedited processing may be available in certain cases
Note: Applicants must provide extensive documentation, such as publications, patents, awards, and recommendations from experts in their field.
Free case evaluationP-1 (Visa for Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers)
What is this visa?
The P-1 visa is for individuals or teams of athletes, artists, or entertainers who are internationally recognized and coming to the U.S. for a specific event, competition, or performance
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Example situations:
- A professional athlete competing in a major U.S. tournament
- A musician on an international tour with performances in the U.S.
- A theater group performing at a cultural festival
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Duration:
Up to 1 year, with extensions depending on the event or activity
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 2–3 months
- Expedited processing (Premium Processing): 15 calendar days
Note: The applicant must show evidence of international recognition and a clear purpose for their visit to the U.S.
Free case evaluationP-2/P-3 (Visa for Participants in Cultural Exchange or International Programs)
What are these visas?
P-2: For artists or entertainers participating in a reciprocal cultural exchange program between the U.S. and another country. P-3: For artists or entertainers who will perform, teach, or coach as part of a culturally unique program.
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Example situations:
- A cultural dance troupe from another country performing in the U.S. as part of an exchange
- An artist teaching traditional crafts in the U.S. under a specific program
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Duration:
Up to 1 year, with possible extensions for ongoing programs
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 2–3 months
- Expedited processing (Premium Processing): 15 calendar days
Note: Applicants must provide evidence of the cultural or educational value of their program.
Free case evaluationN-8/N-9 (Special Immigrant Visas for Certain Individuals)
What are these visas?
The N-8 and N-9 visas are for specific categories of special immigrants, such as individuals assisting U.S. government entities or certain relatives of those individuals.
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Example situations:
- N-8: For representatives of international organizations who need to live in the U.S. to perform their duties
- N-9: For dependents (spouses and children) of N-8 visa holders
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Duration:
Temporary status with the possibility of adjustment to permanent residency
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 6–12 months
Note: These visas are highly specific and typically require sponsorship or authorization from a government agency.
Free case evaluationEB-2 (Visa for Professionals with Advanced Degrees or Exceptional Ability)
What is this visa?
The EB-2 visa is a Green Card category for individuals who either have an advanced degree (master’s or higher) or exceptional abilities in fields such as science, business, or the arts. This visa also includes a National Interest Waiver (NIW) option, which allows applicants to bypass employer sponsorship if their work benefits the U.S. significantly
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Example situations:
- A scientist with a Ph.D. in renewable energy working on innovative solutions to climate change
- A business executive with proven exceptional contributions to their industry
- A medical doctor specializing in a field critical to underserved U.S. communities
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Eligibility requirements:
- Advanced degree: The applicant must have a degree above a bachelor's (e.g., master’s or Ph.D.) and prove that the job requires this level of education
- Exceptional ability: Applicants must demonstrate expertise well above what is typical in their field through awards, publications, or other significant achievements
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National Interest Waiver (NIW):
- Individuals can apply without a job offer or employer sponsorship if they can show their work benefits the U.S. on a national level (e.g., in public health, infrastructure, or research)
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Duration:
Permanent residency (Green Card)
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 12–18 months
- Expedited processing for NIW applicants or in certain categories may be available in some cases
Note: Strong evidence, such as letters of recommendation, publications, and proof of exceptional work, is critical for approval. The NIW option is particularly appealing for self-sponsored individuals working on projects of national significance.
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