O-1 approuvé ! Votre feuille de route pour obtenir une carte verte EB-1A
Shirin Navabi • March 13, 2025
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Si vous venez d'apprendre que votre visa O-1 a été approuvé, félicitations ! Le visa O-1 est un visa prestigieux, accordé uniquement aux personnes qui peuvent démontrer des capacités extraordinaires dans leur domaine - qu'il s'agisse du visa O-1A : personnes ayant des capacités extraordinaires dans le domaine des sciences, de l'éducation, des affaires ou du sport, ou du visa O-1B : personnes ayant des capacités extraordinaires dans le domaine des arts ou des réalisations extraordinaires dans l'industrie du cinéma ou de la télévision. Obtenir l'approbation O-1 n'est pas une mince affaire, et c'est une véritable validation de votre talent et de votre travail acharné.
Mais pour de nombreux détenteurs de visas O-1, cette approbation soulève une autre grande question : quel est le chemin à suivre pour obtenir une carte verte ? Pour ceux qui souhaitent rester aux États-Unis de manière permanente, le visa EB-1A est souvent la prochaine étape naturelle. Il est également connu sous le nom de carte verte pour les personnes ayant des capacités extraordinaires, ce qui en fait un proche cousin du visa O-1.
L'obtention de la résidence permanente aux États-Unis par le biais de l'EB-1A implique deux étapes : 1) l'approbation de la demande d'immigration EB-1A (formulaire 1-40) et 2) l'ajustement du statut à celui de résident permanent ou la demande de traitement consulaire.
Toutefois, si ces deux catégories présentent des similitudes, elles ne sont pas identiques. La norme EB-1A est nettement plus stricte et de nombreux titulaires d'un permis O-1 sous-estiment le nombre de preuves qu'ils doivent présenter pour obtenir la résidence permanente. La bonne nouvelle, c'est que si vous êtes proactif et stratégique dans la constitution de votre dossier, vous pouvez améliorer considérablement vos chances de réussite.
Comprendre la différence entre O-1 et EB-1A
Les visas O-1 et EB-1A s'adressent tous deux aux personnes ayant des capacités extraordinaires, mais ils ont des objectifs différents. Le visa O-1 est un visa de travail temporaire qui vous permet de venir aux États-Unis pour travailler sur des projets spécifiques ou pour un employeur particulier. Il exige qu'un sponsor américain dépose la demande en votre nom.
Le visa EB-1A, en revanche, est un visa d'immigrant - c'est la première étape vers l'obtention de la résidence permanente. Étant donné que le EB-1A mène à la résidence permanente, ses critères d'admissibilité sont encore plus élevés. Vous devez non seulement faire preuve de capacités extraordinaires, mais aussi montrer que votre reconnaissance est durable et que votre travail a eu un impact durable sur votre domaine.
Que pouvez-vous réutiliser de votre dossier O-1 ?
Si votre demande O-1 est solide, certains des éléments de preuve que vous avez soumis seront toujours valables pour l'EB-1A. Il s'agit notamment de vos récompenses, de votre couverture médiatique, de vos lettres d'experts et de la preuve de votre appartenance à des organisations prestigieuses. Mais l'EB-1A exige davantage : vous devez aller au-delà de ce que vous avez accompli et prouver que votre influence est permanente, qu'elle a un impact et qu'elle est reconnue au niveau national ou international.
Comment renforcer votre dossier pendant votre séjour en O-1
L'une des mesures les plus intelligentes que vous puissiez prendre est de mettre à profit le temps passé sous le visa O-1 pour renforcer activement votre profil EB-1A. Cela signifie que vous devez rechercher des occasions de faire figurer votre travail dans des médias de premier plan, de publier des contributions plus originales, de juger des concours et de jouer un rôle de premier plan dans votre communauté professionnelle. Chaque action que vous entreprenez pour améliorer votre visibilité et votre influence
Dernières réflexions - Le passage de O-1 à EB-1A est possible
Vous ne pourrez peut-être pas déposer votre demande EB-1A aujourd'hui, mais nous pouvons vous aider à constituer votre dossier étape par étape. Que vous ayez besoin de conseils pour renforcer votre profil, identifier les bonnes preuves ou préparer un plan de dépôt stratégique, notre équipe est là pour vous aider.
Si vous êtes actuellement titulaire d'un visa O-1 et que vous pensez pouvoir prétendre à un visa EB-1A à l'avenir, nous vous encourageons à contacter notre cabinet. Nos avocats expérimentés ont aidé d'innombrables personnes à naviguer avec succès sur cette voie, et nous serions heureux d'examiner votre cas et de créer une feuille de route personnalisée pour votre parcours vers la carte verte.
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.
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.
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.
In a renewed wave of enforcement, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has started sending formal alerts to certain F-1 students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT), flagging that their records reflect over 90 days without any reported employment. These students have been advised to update their employment status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) within 15 days. Failure to take timely corrective action may lead to the termination of the student's SEVIS record, effectively marking them as out of status, and may ultimately trigger removal proceedings. The notices are intended as a warning that students who do not comply with OPT reporting obligations are at risk of serious immigration consequences. Understanding OPT and Its Unemployment Limits Optional Practical Training (commonly referred to as “OPT”) is a work authorization benefit that allows eligible F-1 international students to gain hands-on experience in their field of study. Students may apply for pre-completion OPT (while still in school) or post-completion OPT (after graduation), typically for up to 12 months. Those with degrees in qualifying STEM fields may apply for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving them a total of 36 months of work authorization in the U.S. To maintain valid F-1 status while on OPT, students must remain actively employed in a position related to their field of study. The amount of time a student may remain in the United States while on OPT without being properly employed is capped at: 90 days during the standard 12-month post-completion OPT, and 150 days for those on the STEM OPT extension, which includes any days of unemployment accrued during the initial OPT period. These unemployment limits are cumulative and enforced strictly through SEVIS monitoring. What Should F-1 Students Do? If you are an F-1 student on OPT or STEM OPT and receive a warning or are unsure about your compliance status, act quickly: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to review and, if necessary, update your SEVIS record. Ensure all employment is properly documented and reported through your school’s international office. Do not ignore warning notices, as failure to respond may lead to SEVIS termination and potentially the initiation of removal proceedings. It is also advisable to consult with a qualified immigration attorney to explore available options and understand how enforcement actions may affect your status or future immigration plans. If you received a notice or have questions about your F-1 status, our attorneys are here to help you take the right steps to protect your future in the United States. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
