¡O-1 ha sido aprobado! ¿Ahora qué sigue? guía para obtener la residencia permanente (Green Card) con EB-1A
Shirin Navabi • March 13, 2025
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Si ha recibido recientemente la emocionante noticia de que su visado O-1 ha sido aprobado, ¡enhorabuena! El visado O-1 es un visado prestigioso que sólo se concede a personas que puedan demostrar una capacidad extraordinaria en su campo, ya sea O-1A: personas con una capacidad extraordinaria en ciencias, educación, negocios o atletismo, u O-1B: personas con una capacidad extraordinaria en artes o logros extraordinarios en la industria cinematográfica o televisiva. Conseguir la aprobación de una visa O-1 no es poca cosa, y es una verdadera validación de su talento y trabajo duro.
Pero para muchos titulares de visados O-1, esa aprobación plantea la siguiente gran pregunta: ¿cuál es el camino para conseguir la residencia permanente? Para quienes desean permanecer en Estados Unidos de forma permanente, el visado EB-1A suele ser el siguiente paso natural. También se conoce como residencia permanente para personas con capacidades extraordinarias, lo que lo convierte en un primo cercano del visado O-1.
La obtención de la residencia permanente en Estados Unidos a través del EB-1A implica dos pasos: 1) conseguir la aprobación de la petición de inmigración EB-1A (formulario 1-40) y 2) ajustar el estatus al de residente permanente o solicitar la tramitación consular.
Sin embargo, aunque estas dos categorías comparten similitudes, no son idénticas. El estándar EB-1A es significativamente más alto, y muchos titulares de O-1 subestiman cuántas más pruebas necesitan presentar para calificar para la residencia permanente. La buena noticia es que, si usted es proactivo y estratégico en la construcción de su caso, puede mejorar significativamente sus posibilidades de éxito.
Entendiendo la diferencia entre O-1 y EB-1A
Tanto el visado O-1 como el EB-1A se centran en personas con aptitudes extraordinarias, pero tienen finalidades diferentes. El O-1 es un visado de trabajo temporal que le permite venir a Estados Unidos para trabajar en proyectos específicos o para un empleador concreto. Requiere que un patrocinador estadounidense presente la petición en su nombre.
El EB-1A, por el contrario, es un visado de inmigrante: es el primer paso hacia la obtención de la residencia permanente. Dado que el EB-1A conduce a la residencia permanente, sus requisitos son aún más estrictos. No sólo debe demostrar una capacidad extraordinaria, sino también que su reconocimiento se mantiene a lo largo del tiempo y que su trabajo ha tenido un impacto duradero en su campo.
¿Qué puede reutilizar de su caso O-1?
Si su petición O-1 es sólida, algunas de las pruebas que presentó seguirán siendo valiosas para la EB-1A. Esto incluye sus premios, cobertura mediática, cartas de expertos y pruebas de pertenencia a organizaciones prestigiosas. Pero el EB-1A exige más: tiene que ir más allá de mostrar lo que ha logrado y demostrar que su influencia es continua, impactante y reconocida a nivel nacional o internacional.
Cómo fortalecer su caso mientras está en O-1
Una de las medidas más inteligentes que puede tomar es aprovechar el tiempo que tenga el visado O-1 para reforzar activamente su perfil EB-1A. Esto significa buscar oportunidades para que su trabajo aparezca en medios de comunicación de primer nivel, publicar más contribuciones originales, ser jurado en concursos y asumir funciones de liderazgo en su comunidad profesional. Cada acción que emprenda para aumentar su visibilidad e influencia.
Reflexiones finales - El camino del O-1 al EB-1A es factible
Es posible que no pueda presentar su EB-1A hoy, pero podemos ayudarle a construir su caso paso a paso. Ya sea que necesite orientación sobre el fortalecimiento de su perfil, la identificación de las pruebas adecuadas, o la preparación de un plan estratégico de presentación, nuestro equipo está aquí para apoyarle.
Si usted está actualmente en una visa O-1 y cree que puede ser elegible para una visa EB-1A en el futuro, le animamos a ponerse en contacto con nuestra oficina. Nuestros abogados experimentados han ayudado a innumerables personas a navegar con éxito este camino, y estaremos encantados de revisar su caso y crear guia personalizada para su viaje de residencia permanente.
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.
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.
