Best practices when using a Petitioner Service for O-1 or P-1 Visa

We often suggest our clients use an O-1A visa first before pursuing an EB-1A visa when currently outside of the United States. When outside of the United States, there can be a considerable lag time before obtaining an interview for consular processing after the EB-1A is approved. Furthermore, the EB-1A tends to be adjudicated more harshly than O-1A visas which are non-immigrant visas. 

With the O-1A, the visa candidate can usually enter the United States much more quickly than the EB-1A with a wide variety of work authorization when it is structured properly. We specialize in maximizing the use of the O-1A work authorization. 

To help applicants who do not have contacts in the United States take advantage of the O-1A or P-1A applications, we suggest using a petitioner service to serve as agent petitioner for the visa. Our firm suggests using SDS Sports Agency or Catalyst Acceleration for USA Mobility. Petitioner services can cost around $2000 per applicant depending on the situation. 

How does having a B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 visitor visa impact O-1A or P-1A Application?

For an applicant with a valid visitor B category visa, it is best to travel to the United States before submitting the visa application. The application can be prepared prior to travel for submission and then submitted upon coming to the United States. 

This will allow you to change status from the B-1 to the O-1A visa while you are still in the United States. Meaning you could travel tomorrow, if you wished, and then not have to leave to obtain the O-1A status. The O-1A status is dual intent, so there is no penalty in applying for the O-1A immediately after entering the United States. 

Otherwise, you would need to do an interview at a consulate in order to obtain entry with the new O-1A status.

The cost of P-1 and O-1 visa applications are available here: www.sherrodsportsvisas.com/pricing