Visa playbook
Which visa is right for you?
Five visas, one decision tree. Take the eligibility quiz to find the highest-leverage path for your situation.
O-1A
Extraordinary Ability (Sciences, Business, Athletics)
For founders, researchers, and operators with documented top-of-field standing.
Eligibility
- — 3+ of 8 regulatory criteria (awards, press, judging, publications, original contributions, critical employment, high remuneration, membership)
- — U.S. employer or agent willing to petition
- — Continued work in your field of expertise
Timeline: ≈14 days to filing on Premium ProcessingStart a O-1A case
O-1B
Extraordinary Achievement (Arts & Film/TV)
For artists, designers, and creative directors with national or international acclaim.
Eligibility
- — Lead/starring role in distinguished productions, OR
- — National/international critical recognition, OR
- — Major commercial/critical success
Timeline: ≈18 days to filingStart a O-1B case
EB-1A
Green Card — Extraordinary Ability
The first-preference employment-based green card. Self-petition, no employer needed.
Eligibility
- — Sustained national or international acclaim
- — Same 10-criterion framework as O-1A (slightly higher bar)
- — Continued work that benefits the U.S.
Timeline: 8-12 months processing (no Premium Processing)Start a EB-1A case
EB-2 NIW
National Interest Waiver
Green card path for advanced-degree holders whose work serves the U.S. national interest.
Eligibility
- — Advanced degree OR exceptional ability
- — Endeavor of substantial merit and national importance
- — Well-positioned to advance the endeavor
Timeline: 8-14 months processingStart a EB-2 NIW case
H-1B
Specialty Occupation
Standard tech worker visa. Lottery-based; April registration window.
Eligibility
- — Bachelor's degree or equivalent in the specialty
- — U.S. employer with approved LCA
- — Subject to annual cap and lottery selection
Timeline: Lottery in March; earliest start October 1Start a H-1B case
60-second eligibility quiz
Answer 5 questions and we'll route you to the highest-fit visa.
- 01Do you have a U.S. employer willing to sponsor you, or do you intend to self-petition?
- 02How many peer-reviewed publications, patents, or open-source contributions of major significance have you authored?
- 03Have you received awards, press, or membership in invite-only bodies in the last 5 years?
- 04What is your total compensation, and how does it compare to industry benchmarks (Levels.fyi/BLS)?
- 05Is your goal a temporary work visa (1-3 years) or a green card path?