De Chef Convidado a Referência Permanente: Transformando os Vistos O-1 e P-3 em um Green Card Culinário

Angelica Rice • June 19, 2025

 Click here to read this article in English

Se você conseguiu chegar aos Estados Unidos como profissional da culinária — talvez com um visto O-1B, que reconhece seu talento extraordinário, ou com um visto P-3, por compartilhar seu rico patrimônio culinário — parabéns! Você já provou ser um destaque na sua área. Mas e se eu te dissesse que sua jornada não precisa terminar quando seu visto temporário expira? Na verdade, sua situação atual pode ser o trampolim perfeito para algo muito mais duradouro: um green card através da categoria EB-1A.


O visto EB-1A é um visto de imigração baseado em emprego de primeira preferência, projetado para indivíduos com “habilidade extraordinária” em áreas como artes, ciências, educação, negócios ou esportes. E sim — as artes culinárias definitivamente se enquadram nisso. A chave é demonstrar que suas habilidades estão entre as melhores no seu campo. Se você já passou pelo processo de obtenção do O-1 ou do P-3, provavelmente já está bem encaminhado.


Aqui vai uma boa notícia: boa parte das provas usadas para conseguir seu visto O-1B ou P-3 podem ser reaproveitadas para sua petição EB-1A. Prêmios, matérias na imprensa, depoimentos de especialistas e comprovação de seu trabalho em cozinhas renomadas ou em eventos culturais — tudo isso continua sendo muito valioso. E mais: tudo o que você realizou enquanto esteve nos EUA com seu visto temporário — seja lançando um menu de degustação exclusivo, estrelando um documentário gastronômico ou liderando workshops culinários — pode agora ser usado para fortalecer ainda mais sua petição.


Segundo o USCIS, os candidatos ao EB-1A precisam atender a pelo menos três dos dez critérios, a menos que já tenham recebido um prêmio internacionalmente reconhecido. Esses critérios incluem publicações ou matérias sobre seu trabalho, contribuições originais de grande importância para o seu campo, salário alto em comparação aos demais na indústria, ocupação de papel crítico em organizações de prestígio. Para muitos chefs, especialmente aqueles que prosperaram no cenário gastronômico dos EUA, isso é totalmente alcançável com a orientação correta.


O que torna o EB-1A tão especial é que ele não exige um patrocinador empregador. Isso mesmo — você pode se autopatrocinar! Isso significa que sua carreira culinária pode ser tão flexível e empreendedora quanto você desejar, seja para abrir seu próprio restaurante, expandir sua atuação para a mídia ou continuar conquistando os paladares dos americanos. E tem mais: é um dos caminhos mais rápidos para obter o green card atualmente. Com o serviço de processamento premium, sua petição I-140 pode ser analisada em apenas 15 dias úteis. E, se a categoria EB-1 do seu país estiver em dia no boletim de vistos no momento da aprovação, você pode até estar apto a solicitar seu green card imediatamente. Essa combinação de rapidez, autonomia e flexibilidade faz do EB-1A um próximo passo extremamente atraente na sua jornada de imigração.


Aqui no Santos Lloyd Law Firm, nós adoramos ajudar profissionais criativos a darem seu próximo grande passo. Se você já encantou o mundo com sua culinária, o EB-1A pode ser sua oportunidade de ficar e deixar sua marca para sempre. Entre em contato conosco hoje mesmo para descobrir se o EB-1A é o caminho certo para você!



Este blog não se destina a fornecer aconselhamento jurídico e nada aqui deve ser interpretado como estabelecimento de um relacionamento advogado-cliente. Por favor, agende uma consulta com um advogado de imigração antes de agir com base em qualquer informação lida aqui.

Angelica Rice

From Guest Chef to Permanent Fixture: Turning O-1 and P-3 Visas into a Culinary Green Card

By Angelica Rice • June 19, 2025
If you've made it to the United States as a culinary professional—perhaps on an O-1B visa that recognizes your extraordinary talent, or a P-3 visa for sharing your rich culinary heritage—congratulations! You’ve already proven yourself as a standout in your craft. But what if we told you that your journey doesn’t have to end when your temporary visa does? In fact, your current status could be the perfect stepping stone to something much more lasting: a green card through the EB-1A category. The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa, designed for individuals with “ extraordinary ability ” in fields such as the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. And yes—culinary arts absolutely count. The key is demonstrating that your skills have risen to the very top of your field. If you've already gone through the O-1 or P-3 process, you're likely well on your way . Here’s the good news: much of the evidence used to obtain your O-1B or P-3 visa can be repurposed for your EB-1A petition . Awards, press features, expert testimonials, and proof of your work in prestigious kitchens or at cultural events—they're all valuable again. But what’s even more exciting is that everything you’ve accomplished while in the U.S. on your temporary visa—whether launching a signature tasting menu, starring in a food documentary, or leading culinary workshops—can now be used to further strengthen your case. According to USCIS, EB-1A applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria unless they’ve received a major internationally recognized award. These criteria include things like published material about your work, original contributions of major significance, high salary, and a critical role in distinguished organizations. For many chefs, especially those who’ve thrived in the U.S. hospitality scene, it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance. What sets the EB-1A apart is that it does not require an employer sponsor . That’s right—you can self-petition! This means your culinary career can be as flexible and entrepreneurial as you want it to be, whether that means opening your own restaurant, expanding into media, or continuing to cook your way into America’s heart. Even better? It can be one of the fastest paths to a green card available. With premium processing, your I-140 petition can be adjudicated within just 15 business days. And if your country’s EB-1 visa category is current on the visa bulletin at the time of approval, you may be eligible to file your green card application immediately. This combination of speed, autonomy, and flexibility makes EB-1A an incredibly attractive next step in your immigration journey. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we love helping creative professionals take their next big step. If you’ve already wowed the world with your cuisine, the EB-1A may be your opportunity to stay and make your mark for good. Contact us today to find out if the EB-1A is the next right step for you!

How Professional Athletes Can Immigrate to the United States: Visa Options for Champions and Competitors

By Shirin Navabi • June 12, 2025
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.

Understanding the Laken Riley Act: A Turning Point in U.S. Immigration Enforcement

By Denice Flores • June 5, 2025
In January 2025, the U.S. Congress passed the Laken Riley Act , marking a significant shift in immigration enforcement policy. The Act requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain certain non-U.S. nationals who have been arrested for theft-related offenses such as burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. Under this Act, the Department of Homeland Security must detain an individual who: (1) is unlawfully present in the United States or did not possess the necessary documents when applying for admission; and (2) has been charged with, arrested for, convicted of, or admits to having committed acts that constitute the essential elements of burglary, theft, larceny, or shoplifting. The Act also authorizes states to sue the federal government for decisions or alleged failures related to immigration enforcement. It authorizes state governments to sue for injunctive relief over certain immigration-related decisions or alleged failures by the federal government if the decision or failure caused the state or its residents harm, including financial harm of more than $100. Specifically, the state government may sue the federal government over a: Decision to release a non-U.S. national from custody; Failure to fulfill requirements relating to inspecting individuals seeking admission into the United States, including requirements related to asylum interviews; Failure to fulfill a requirement to stop issuing visas to nationals of a country that unreasonably denies or delays acceptance of nationals of that country; Violation of limitations on immigration parole, such as the requirement that parole be granted only on a case-by-case basis; or Failure to detain an individual who has been ordered removed from the United States. The Act's stringent detention requirements may lead to increased fear and uncertainty within immigrant communities. Individuals who are merely accused of certain crimes could face mandatory detention. The Act may also affect legal immigration processes. Increased detention and deportation efforts could strain resources, potentially leading to delays in processing visas and asylum applications. Given the evolving legal landscape: Stay Informed and/or Seek Legal Counsel - Consult with your immigration attorney to understand how new laws and policies may affect your situation and if you or someone you know is facing immigration-related legal issues. Know Your Rights - Familiarize yourself with your legal rights, especially concerning interactions with law enforcement and immigration authorities. Community Engagement - Participate in community organizations that provide support and resources for immigrants, fostering a network of assistance and advocacy. If you have any questions or would like to consult with an experienced immigration attorney, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
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