De chef invitado a fijo: ¿Cómo convertir los visados O-1 y P-3 en una tarjeta verde culinaria?

Angelica Rice • June 19, 2025

 Click here to read this article in English

Si ha llegado a Estados Unidos como profesional de la cocina -quizá con un visado O-1B que reconoce su extraordinario talento, o un visado P-3 para compartir su rico patrimonio culinario-, ¡enhorabuena! Ya ha demostrado que destaca en su oficio. Pero ¿y si le dijéramos que su viaje no tiene por qué terminar cuando lo haga su visado temporal? De hecho, su situación actual podría ser el trampolín perfecto para algo mucho más duradero: una tarjeta verde a través de la categoría EB-1A.


El visado EB-1A es un visado de inmigrante basado en el empleo de primera preferencia, diseñado para personas con «aptitudes extraordinarias» en campos como las artes, las ciencias, la educación, los negocios o el atletismo. Y sí, las artes culinarias cuentan. La clave está en demostrar que tus aptitudes han llegado a lo más alto en tu campo. Si ya has pasado por el proceso O-1 o P-3, es probable que estés bien encaminado.


Aquí está la buena noticia: muchas de las pruebas utilizadas para obtener su visado O-1B o P-3 pueden reutilizarse para su petición EB-1A. Premios, artículos de prensa, testimonios de expertos y pruebas de su trabajo en prestigiosas cocinas o en eventos culturales: todo ello vuelve a tener valor. Pero lo que es aún más emocionante es que todo lo que ha logrado durante su estancia en los Estados Unidos con su visado temporal, ya sea lanzar un menú de degustación, protagonizar un documental gastronómico, o dirigir talleres culinarios, ahora se puede utilizar para fortalecer aún más su caso. 


Según el USCIS, los solicitantes del EB-1A deben cumplir al menos tres de los diez criterios, a menos que hayan recibido un premio importante reconocido internacionalmente. Estos criterios incluyen cosas como material publicado sobre su trabajo, contribuciones originales de gran importancia, salario alto y un papel crítico en organizaciones distinguidas. Para muchos chefs, sobre todo los que han prosperado en el mundo de la hostelería estadounidense, es absolutamente factible con la orientación adecuada.


Lo que distingue a la EB-1A es que no requiere un empleador patrocinador. Así es, ¡puede solicitarlo usted mismo! Esto significa que su carrera culinaria puede ser tan flexible y emprendedora como usted quiera, ya sea abriendo su propio restaurante, expandiéndose a los medios de comunicación o continuando su camino hacia el corazón de Estados Unidos. ¿Y lo que es mejor? Puede ser una de las vías más rápidas para obtener la tarjeta de residencia. Con el procesamiento premium, su petición I-140 puede ser adjudicada en sólo 15 días hábiles. Y si la categoría de visado EB-1 de su país está actualizada en el boletín de visados en el momento de la aprobación, puede ser elegible para presentar su solicitud de tarjeta verde inmediatamente. Esta combinación de rapidez, autonomía y flexibilidad hace que el EB-1A sea un paso increíblemente atractivo en su camino hacia la inmigración.


En Santos Lloyd Law Firm, nos encanta ayudar a profesionales creativos a dar su próximo gran paso. Si usted ya ha asombrado al mundo con su cocina, la EB-1A puede ser su oportunidad para quedarse y dejar su marca para siempre. ¡Contáctenos hoy para averiguar si la EB-1A es el siguiente paso correcto para usted!

Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea

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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