De chef temporaire à permanent : Transformer les visas O-1 et P-3 en carte verte culinaire

Angelica Rice • June 19, 2025

 Click here to read this article in English

Si vous êtes arrivé aux États-Unis en tant que professionnel de la cuisine, peut-être grâce à un visa O-1B qui reconnaît votre talent exceptionnel ou à un visa P-3 qui vous permet de partager votre riche héritage culinaire, félicitations ! Vous avez déjà prouvé que vous excelliez dans votre domaine. Mais que diriez-vous si nous vous disions que votre aventure ne doit pas nécessairement prendre fin à l'expiration de votre visa temporaire ? En fait, votre statut actuel pourrait être le tremplin idéal vers quelque chose de beaucoup plus durable : une carte verte dans la catégorie EB-1A.


Le visa EB-1A est un visa d'immigrant de première préférence basé sur l'emploi, destiné aux personnes ayant des « capacités exceptionnelles » dans des domaines tels que les arts, les sciences, l'éducation, les affaires ou le sport. Et oui, les arts culinaires en font partie. La clé est de démontrer que vos compétences vous ont permis d'atteindre le sommet de votre domaine. Si vous avez déjà suivi le processus O-1 ou P-3, vous êtes probablement sur la bonne voie.


Voici la bonne nouvelle : la plupart des preuves utilisées pour obtenir votre visa O-1B ou P-3 peuvent être réutilisées pour votre demande EB-1A. Les récompenses, les articles de presse, les témoignages d'experts et les preuves de votre travail dans des cuisines prestigieuses ou lors d'événements culturels : tout cela a de nouveau de la valeur. Mais ce qui est encore plus intéressant, c'est que tout ce que vous avez accompli pendant votre séjour aux États-Unis avec votre visa temporaire, qu'il s'agisse de lancer un menu dégustation signature, de jouer dans un documentaire culinaire ou d'animer des ateliers culinaires, peut désormais être utilisé pour renforcer votre dossier.


Selon l'USCIS, les candidats à l'EB-1A doivent remplir au moins trois des dix critères, à moins d'avoir reçu un prix internationalement reconnu. Ces critères comprennent notamment des publications sur votre travail, des contributions originales d'importance majeure, un salaire élevé et un rôle essentiel dans des organisations prestigieuses. Pour de nombreux chefs, en particulier ceux qui ont prospéré dans le secteur de l'hôtellerie aux États-Unis, cet objectif est tout à fait réalisable avec les bons conseils.


Ce qui distingue le visa EB-1A, c'est qu'il ne nécessite pas de parrainage par un employeur. C'est vrai, vous pouvez faire une demande vous-même ! Cela signifie que votre carrière culinaire peut être aussi flexible et entrepreneuriale que vous le souhaitez, qu'il s'agisse d'ouvrir votre propre restaurant, de vous lancer dans les médias ou de continuer à cuisiner pour conquérir le cœur des Américains. Mieux encore ? Il s'agit de l'un des moyens les plus rapides d'obtenir une carte verte. Grâce au traitement prioritaire, votre demande I-140 peut être traitée en seulement 15 jours ouvrables. Et si la catégorie de visa EB-1 de votre pays est à jour dans le bulletin des visas au moment de l'approbation, vous pouvez être éligible pour déposer immédiatement votre demande de carte verte. Cette combinaison de rapidité, d'autonomie et de flexibilité fait du visa EB-1A une étape incroyablement attrayante dans votre parcours d'immigration.


Au cabinet d'avocats Santos Lloyd, nous aimons aider les professionnels créatifs à franchir une nouvelle étape importante. Si vous avez déjà impressionné le monde entier avec votre cuisine, l'EB-1A peut être l'occasion pour vous de rester et de laisser votre empreinte pour de bon. Contactez-nous dès aujourd'hui pour savoir si l'EB-1A est la prochaine étape qui vous convient !

Ce blog n'est pas destiné à fournir des conseils juridiques et rien ici ne doit être interprété comme établissant une relation avocat-client. Veuillez prendre rendez-vous avec un avocat spécialisé en droit de l'immigration avant d'agir sur la base de toute information lue ici.

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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