P-1 Visa Filing: For Athletes & Entertainment Groups Ready to Compete in the US
Agent-based P-1 petition for internationally recognized athletes and performers
✓ 94% approval rate
✓ Filed within 30 days
✓ Multiple team flexibility
✓ Compete for unlimited teams
✓ Touring freedom
Is P-1 Ready Filing Right for You?
This service is for athletes and entertainment groups who have international competition or performance experience and are ready to file for P-1 status immediately. You've competed or performed internationally—now you need the petition filed with an agent-based structure that allows you to compete for multiple teams or perform at multiple venues.
You're Ready to File If:
P-1A Athletes (Individual or Team)
You have international athletic experience including:
✓ Competed in Olympic Games, World Championships, World Cup, or other major international competitions
✓ Member of professional team competing internationally
✓ Individual athlete with international rankings or achievements
✓ National team selection
✓ Professional league participation in multiple countries
✓ International tournament experience
✓ Major competition participation
Sport Categories:
✓ Soccer, basketball, baseball, hockey, tennis
✓ Track and field, swimming, gymnastics
✓ Combat sports (MMA, boxing, martial arts)
✓ Golf, skiing, volleyball, cycling
✓ Any sport with international competition structure
P-1B Entertainment Groups
You're part of an entertainment group with:
✓ Established group for 1+ year with 75%+ same members
✓ International recognition and performances
✓ Performed in multiple countries
✓ Media coverage and reviews
✓ Awards or nominations
✓ Touring experience
Entertainment Categories:
✓ Musical groups (bands, orchestras, ensembles)
✓ Dance troupes
✓ Theater companies
✓ Circus performers
✓ Cultural performance groups
You Want Agent-Based Structure
You don't want to be tied to one team or venue. You want the freedom to:
✓ Compete for multiple teams per season
✓ Participate in tournaments with different organizations
✓ Perform at multiple venues
✓ Training camps anywhere
✓ Exhibition matches/performances
✓ Endorsement deals
✓ Agent manages your career
You're Ready to File Now
You have your competition/performance history documented, you have contracts or itineraries ready, and you want to file within the next 30 days.
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Take our assessment (CTA button) and our sports visa specialists will evaluate your athletic or entertainment history within 48 hours.
Need More Evidence First?
If your international experience is limited, visit we can work to build P-1 evidence through:
✓ Competition documentation
✓ Media coverage generation
✓ Ranking verification
✓ Athletic profile development
Investment & Payment Options
Base P-1 Filing Package
Upfront Payment: $8,000 Pay in full before filing begins. Save $2,000 compared to payment plan.
Payment Plan: $10,000 Minimum $2,000/month installments. Must be paid in full before petition is filed with USCIS.
Example: $10,000 = 5 monthly payments of $2,000, then we file your petition.
What's Included in Every P-1 Filing:
Agent-based Visa petition and the procurement of world class Visa work on the Petition
✓ Complete P-1 petition preparation (Form I-129 with P supplement)
✓ Detailed petition letter (20-40 pages)
✓ Athletic or entertainment evidence compilation
✓ Competition or performance itinerary creation
✓ Agent-petitioner service (IGTA as your official agent)
✓ Contract or letter of agreement documentation
✓ Peer consultation coordination (required for P-1)
✓ Attorney coordination and legal review
✓ One RFE response included
✓ Regular processing (4-6 months USCIS decision)
✓ Dedicated sports visa specialist
✓ Direct communication throughout process
Add-On Services (Optional):
P-1S Essential Support Personnel - $3,000 For coaches, trainers, or other essential personnel accompanying athlete or group. Includes: Complete P-1S petition preparation, evidence of essential role, coordinated filing.
P-4 Dependent Visa - $1,000 per family member For spouse and children under 21. Includes: Family relationship documentation, dependent status petition, coordinated filing.
Consular Processing - $1,000 For athletes/performers outside the US who need visa stamps. Includes: DS-160 form assistance, consular interview preparation, visa stamp guidance.
Premium Processing - $2,805 USCIS mandatory fee for 15-day decision (paid directly to USCIS). Includes: Expedited petition preparation, priority case management, 15-day USCIS response.
Refile/Repackaging Service:
✓ Basic Refile - $500 (minor changes, updated evidence)
✓ Full Repackaging - $1,000 (substantial changes, comprehensive refile strategy) Includes: One additional RFE response, petition review and updates.
Total Investment Examples:
P-1 Only (Upfront):
✓ IGTA Service Fee: $8,000
✓ USCIS Filing Fee: $1,055 (paid directly to USCIS)
✓ Total: $9,055
P-1 Only (Payment Plan):
✓ IGTA Service Fee: $10,000
✓ USCIS Filing Fee: $1,055 (paid directly to USCIS)
✓ Total: $11,055
P-1 with Premium Processing (Upfront)
✓ IGTA Service Fee: $8,000
✓ USCIS Filing Fee: $1,055
✓ Premium Processing: $2,805 (paid directly to USCIS)
✓ Total: $11,860
P-1 with Coach (P-1S):
✓ IGTA Service Fee (athlete): $8,000
✓ IGTA Service Fee (coach): $3,000
✓ USCIS Filing Fees: $1,055 per petition
✓ Total: $11,000 (IGTA) + USCIS fees
P-1 with Family (Spouse + 1 Child):
✓ IGTA Service Fee: $8,000
✓ P-4 for spouse: $1,000
✓ P-4 for child: $1,000
✓ USCIS Filing Fees: $1,055 per petition
✓ Total: $10,000 (IGTA) + USCIS fees
IMPORTANT NOTE: USCIS filing fees are paid separately by client directly to USCIS. Current USCIS fees: $1,055 for Form I-129. These government fees are in addition to IGTA's professional service fees.
Understanding P-1A and P-1B Categories
P-1A: Individual Athletes or Athletic Teams
Who Qualifies:
✓ Internationally recognized athlete competing individually or as part of a team
✓ Competing at a major level in a sport
✓ Substantial international competition participation
Competition Level:
✓ Professional leagues
✓ International tournaments
✓ Olympic or World Championship level
✓ National team participation
✓ Significant amateur competition at international level
Evidence Required:
✓ International competition participation
✓ Rankings (national or international)
✓ Media coverage
✓ Awards and honors
✓ Team contracts or tournament schedules
✓ Proof of international recognition
Validity:
✓ Up to 1 year initially (or length of competition season)
✓ Extensions up to maximum 10 years total
✓ Multiple renewals allowed
Examples:
✓ Professional soccer player competing in US leagues
✓ Olympic athlete training and competing in US
✓ Individual tennis player on international circuit
✓ Member of national team competing in US
✓ Combat sport athlete (MMA, boxing) with international record
P-1B: Entertainment Groups
Who Qualifies:
✓ Entertainment group established for at least 1 year
✓ 75% or more of group members have been together for 1+ year
✓ Internationally recognized group
✓ Coming to US to perform
Group Types:
✓ Musical groups (bands, orchestras)
✓ Dance troupes
✓ Theater companies
✓ Circus performers
✓ Cultural performance groups
Evidence Required:
✓ Proof of group establishment (1+ year)
✓ Member stability documentation (75% same)
✓ International performance history
✓ Media coverage and reviews
✓ Awards or nominations
✓ Recording contracts or releases (if applicable)
✓ Box office receipts
✓ Performance itinerary in US
Validity:
✓ Up to 1 year per petition
✓ Extensions allowed for continued performances
✓ Based on tour or event schedule
Examples:
✓ International band touring US cities
✓ Dance group performing at multiple venues
✓ Cultural ensemble on US tour
✓ Theater company bringing production to US
✓ Circus troupe touring US
Which One Am I?
Solo Athlete → P-1A Competing individually in sport with international experience
Team Sport Athlete → P-1A Part of team competing at major level
Band/Musical Group → P-1B Established group (75%+ same members for 1+ year) performing together
Dance Troupe → P-1B Choreographed group performing together
Circus/Performance Group → P-1B Entertainment ensemble touring or performing
Not Sure? Take our assessment and we'll determine which category fits your situation.
World-Class P-1 Petition Preparation
Complete P-1 Petition Package
Form I-129 with P Supplement Complete preparation of Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with P classification supplement and all required fields.
Comprehensive Petition Letter (20-40 Pages) Strategic presentation of your athletic or entertainment achievements, demonstrating why you qualify for P-1 status.
Athletic or Entertainment Evidence Compilation All supporting documents organized professionally:
✓ Competition participation records
✓ International recognition documentation
✓ Rankings and awards
✓ Media coverage
✓ Performance history
✓ Group establishment proof (P-1B)
✓ Member stability documentation (P-1B)
Competition or Performance Itinerary Detailed schedule of your planned activities in the US:
✓ Competition dates and locations
✓ Tournament schedules
✓ Performance venues and dates
✓ Training camp schedules
✓ Exhibition matches/performances
Contract or Letter of Agreement Documentation of your engagement with US teams, organizations, or venues:
✓ Team contracts
✓ Tournament participation agreements
✓ Venue booking confirmations
✓ League participation documentation
Peer Consultation Documentation Required for all P-1 petitions - consultation with appropriate labor organization:
✓ We coordinate with relevant unions or labor groups
✓ Athletic advisory opinions obtained
✓ Entertainment industry consultations arranged
✓ Labor organization letters procured
Agent-Petitioner Service IGTA serves as your official petitioner with USCIS, documentation of our authority to file on your behalf.
Agent-Petitioner Benefits for Athletes and Performers
Multiple Teams or Venues Play for multiple teams per season, perform at various venues, participate in tournaments with different organizations—all under one visa.
No Refiling When You Switch Change teams, add new venues, or adjust your schedule without notifying USCIS or filing new petitions.
Touring Flexibility For entertainment groups: Tour multiple cities and venues without restriction. For athletes: Participate in exhibition matches, tournaments, and training camps anywhere.
Training and Development Attend training camps with any organization, work with different coaches, or participate in development programs.
Endorsement Deals Compatible Pursue sponsorships and endorsements while maintaining P-1 status. Your agent structure allows commercial partnerships.
Agent Manages Your Career Like professional sports, your agent (IGTA) coordinates with all your teams, venues, and organizations while you focus on performance.
Professional Support Throughout
Dedicated Sports Visa Specialist A specific IGTA expert in athletic and entertainment visas is assigned to your case. We understand the unique requirements of P-1 petitions.
Direct Coordination with Teams/Organizations We communicate with your US teams, venues, leagues, or organizations to gather required documentation and letters.
Contract Review Assistance We review your contracts or letters of agreement to ensure they meet USCIS requirements.
Schedule Optimization We help structure your competition or performance itinerary to maximize USCIS approval while giving you career flexibility.
Peer Consultation Coordination We handle all communication with labor organizations to obtain required peer consultations.
RFE Response (One Included) If USCIS issues a Request for Evidence, we prepare and submit the response at no additional cost.
Why Athletes Choose Agent-Based P-1
The Agent-Based Advantage for Athletes
Traditional P-1 petitions filed by a single team or organization create restrictions: you're tied to that one entity, can't participate in outside tournaments without approval, and have limited flexibility. Agent-based P-1 petitions eliminate these restrictions.
With IGTA as Agent vs. Team-Sponsored:
TEAM-SPONSORED P-1
✗ Tied to one team only
✗ Limited competition schedule
✗ New petition to switch teams
✗ No exhibition games without approval
✗ Restricted training options
✗ Team controls your visa
✗ Single-entity dependency
IGTA AGENT-BASED P-1
✓ Play for multiple teams per season
✓ Unlimited tournament participation
✓ Switch teams freely, no refiling
✓ Exhibition matches allowed
✓ Training camps anywhere
✓ You control your career
✓ Multiple team/organization relationships
Real-World Scenarios for Athletes:
Scenario 1: You Get Offers from Multiple Teams
Team-Sponsored: You must choose one team and hope they sponsor you. If that doesn't work out or you want to play for a second team, you need complex visa arrangements.
Agent-Based with IGTA: Accept offers from multiple teams and compete for whichever combination makes sense for your career. Play for Team A three games, Team B five games—no problem.
Scenario 2: Tournament Opportunity Arises
Team-Sponsored: You may need your sponsoring team's permission and potentially additional USCIS filings to participate in outside tournaments.
Agent-Based with IGTA: Accept any tournament invitation that fits your itinerary. It's covered under your agent-based petition.
Scenario 3: Training Camp with Different Organization
Team-Sponsored: Training with organizations other than your petitioner may require approval or amendments.
Agent-Based with IGTA: Attend training camps with any organization. It's part of your professional development covered in your itinerary.
Scenario 4: Endorsement Deal
Team-Sponsored: Team may have approval rights or restrictions on outside endorsements.
Agent-Based with IGTA: Pursue endorsement deals freely. They're compatible with your agent-based structure.
Success Stories
Francis Ngannou - MMA Champion
"I used this petitioner service to make a change from the UFC to be more independent. I've used the petitioner service to compete, film on Netflix, and start multiple businesses; all on the same visa petition."
Francis's agent-based P-1 allowed him to:
✓ Leave UFC and compete in multiple organizations
✓ Film documentary projects on Netflix
✓ Start multiple business ventures
✓ Maintain complete career independence
✓ All under one P-1 visa without refiling
Maya Bruney - Olympian
"I've had the pleasure of using the petitioner service twice. First for my P-1 visa to compete in track in the United States and then second for my O-1 visa to work as a Brand Manager for Brandon Marshall's House of Athlete in Miami."
Maya's journey demonstrates:
✓ P-1 for athletic competition (track and field)
✓ Complete flexibility in competition schedule
✓ Later transitioned to O-1 for professional role
✓ Agent-based structure supported both visas
✓ Now works as Brand Manager while maintaining visa status
Legal Basis:
Agent-based P-1 petitions are explicitly permitted under 8 CFR 214.2(p). Athletic agents have long used this structure, and it's well-established in professional sports immigration.
What USCIS Requires for P-1 Approval
For P-1A Athletes
Evidence of International Recognition:
You must provide documentation showing you're internationally recognized in your sport. USCIS accepts various forms of evidence including at least 2 of the following:
Criterion 1: Awards & Recognition
What USCIS Looks For: National or international awards, prizes, or recognition for excellence in your field.
Examples:
✓ Industry awards (Best AI Research Award, Innovation Prize)
✓ Competition wins (Hackathon first place, Data science competition)
✓ Academic honors (Fellowships, research grants)
✓ Professional recognition (40 Under 40, Rising Stars)
How We Help: Document all awards with certificates, announcements, media coverage of wins, and context showing national/international significance.
Criterion 2: Membership in Elite Organizations
What USCIS Looks For: Memberships in associations that require outstanding achievement as judged by recognized experts.
Examples:
✓ Professional societies with selective admission
✓ Invitation-only organizations
✓ Industry groups requiring peer nomination
✓ Academic societies based on achievement
How We Help: Present membership credentials with evidence of selective admission criteria, peer review requirements, and prestige of organization.
Criterion 3: Published Material About You
What USCIS Looks For: Media coverage in professional or major trade publications, newspapers, or significant media about you and your work.
Examples:
✓ Forbes, TechCrunch, BBC, CNN features
✓ Industry publication profiles
✓ Podcast interviews with significant reach
✓ Trade journal articles about your work
How We Help: Compile all media mentions with circulation/reach data, journalist credentials, and publication prestige documentation.
Criterion 4: Judge of Others' Work
What USCIS Looks For: Evidence you've been asked to judge the work of others in your field, either individually or on a panel.
Examples:
✓ Peer review for academic journals
✓ Grant proposal reviewer
✓ Competition judge
✓ Conference paper reviewer
✓ Technical interview panel for companies
How We Help: Document all judging activities with invitations, reviewer credentials, scope of work, and significance of what you evaluated.
Criterion 5: Original Contributions
What USCIS Looks For: Original contributions of major significance to your field.
Examples:
✓ Patents with implementation
✓ Significant open-source projects
✓ Research with industry adoption
✓ Innovative methodologies used by others
✓ Unique technical solutions
How We Help: Present contributions with evidence of adoption, citations, commercial use, or industry impact.
Criterion 6: Scholarly Articles
What USCIS Looks For: Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
Examples:
✓ Peer-reviewed journal publications
✓ Conference papers
✓ Technical articles in industry publications
✓ Thought leadership in major outlets
✓ Research papers with citations
How We Help: Compile publication list with journal impact factors, citation counts, co-author credentials, and publication prestige.
Criterion 7: Critical Role
What USCIS Looks For: Critical or essential role for organizations with distinguished reputations.
Examples:
✓ Lead engineer at major tech company
✓ Key researcher on important projects
✓ Critical role in startup success
✓ Essential team member for Fortune 500 projects
How We Help: Document your role with organizational credentials, project significance, your specific contributions, and evidence you were essential to success.
Criterion 8: High Salary
What USCIS Looks For: Compensation significantly above average for your field and geography.
Examples:
✓ Salary in top percentile for your role
✓ Total compensation including equity
✓ Consulting rates exceeding norms
✓ Contract values demonstrating high demand
How We Help: Present salary data with industry benchmarks, geographic comparisons, and evidence of above-average compensation.
For P-1B Entertainment Groups
To qualify for O-1A visa in sciences, business, education, or athletics, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability by providing evidence of at least 3 of the following 8 criteria:
Criterion 1: Awards & Recognition
What USCIS Looks For: National or international awards, prizes, or recognition for excellence in your field.
Examples:
✓ Industry awards (Best AI Research Award, Innovation Prize)
✓ Competition wins (Hackathon first place, Data science competition)
✓ Academic honors (Fellowships, research grants)
✓ Professional recognition (40 Under 40, Rising Stars)
How We Help: Document all awards with certificates, announcements, media coverage of wins, and context showing national/international significance.
Criterion 2: Membership in Elite Organizations
What USCIS Looks For: Memberships in associations that require outstanding achievement as judged by recognized experts.
Examples:
✓ Professional societies with selective admission
✓ Invitation-only organizations
✓ Industry groups requiring peer nomination
✓ Academic societies based on achievement
How We Help: Present membership credentials with evidence of selective admission criteria, peer review requirements, and prestige of organization.
Criterion 3: Published Material About You
What USCIS Looks For: Media coverage in professional or major trade publications, newspapers, or significant media about you and your work.
Examples:
✓ Forbes, TechCrunch, BBC, CNN features
✓ Industry publication profiles
✓ Podcast interviews with significant reach
✓ Trade journal articles about your work
How We Help: Compile all media mentions with circulation/reach data, journalist credentials, and publication prestige documentation.
Criterion 4: Judge of Others' Work
What USCIS Looks For: Evidence you've been asked to judge the work of others in your field, either individually or on a panel.
Examples:
✓ Peer review for academic journals
✓ Grant proposal reviewer
✓ Competition judge
✓ Conference paper reviewer
✓ Technical interview panel for companies
How We Help: Document all judging activities with invitations, reviewer credentials, scope of work, and significance of what you evaluated.
Criterion 5: Original Contributions
What USCIS Looks For: Original contributions of major significance to your field.
Examples:
✓ Patents with implementation
✓ Significant open-source projects
✓ Research with industry adoption
✓ Innovative methodologies used by others
✓ Unique technical solutions
How We Help: Present contributions with evidence of adoption, citations, commercial use, or industry impact.
Criterion 6: Scholarly Articles
What USCIS Looks For: Authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
Examples:
✓ Peer-reviewed journal publications
✓ Conference papers
✓ Technical articles in industry publications
✓ Thought leadership in major outlets
✓ Research papers with citations
How We Help: Compile publication list with journal impact factors, citation counts, co-author credentials, and publication prestige.
Criterion 7: Critical Role
What USCIS Looks For: Critical or essential role for organizations with distinguished reputations.
Examples:
✓ Lead engineer at major tech company
✓ Key researcher on important projects
✓ Critical role in startup success
✓ Essential team member for Fortune 500 projects
How We Help: Document your role with organizational credentials, project significance, your specific contributions, and evidence you were essential to success.
Criterion 8: High Salary
What USCIS Looks For: Compensation significantly above average for your field and geography.
Examples:
✓ Salary in top percentile for your role
✓ Total compensation including equity
✓ Consulting rates exceeding norms
✓ Contract values demonstrating high demand
How We Help: Present salary data with industry benchmarks, geographic comparisons, and evidence of above-average compensation.
If Your Case Receives an RFE or Denial
RFE Response (Included)
What's an RFE? Request for Evidence means USCIS wants additional documentation before making a decision. This is not a denial—it's an opportunity to strengthen your case.
What We Do:
✓ Analyze RFE to understand exactly what USCIS needs
✓ Gather additional evidence to address concerns
✓ Prepare comprehensive response
✓ Submit within required timeframe
✓ One RFE response included in all O-1 packages
Common RFE Reasons:
✓ Need stronger evidence for specific criterion
✓ Want more information about agent-petitioner relationship
✓ Require additional work itinerary details
✓ Seeking expert opinions on your contributions
Our 94% approval rate means most petitions succeed on first submission. However, if USCIS issues a Request for Evidence or denial, you have options:
If Denied (Rare)
Basic Refile - $500
For cases where denial was due to minor issues easily corrected:
✓ Updated evidence additions
✓ Revised petition letter addressing USCIS concerns
✓ Form corrections or clarifications
✓ Quick turnaround refiling
Full Repackaging - $1,000
For cases requiring substantial rework:
✓ Complete petition review and analysis
✓ Identification of weak points
✓ Strategic strengthening of evidence
✓ New expert opinions if needed
✓ Comprehensive refiling with improved case presentation
✓ Includes one additional RFE response
Alternative: Build More Evidence
If assessment shows you need stronger evidence across criteria:
Discounted Access to Partner Programs
Innovative Automations:
Tech evidence building
Pentos Partners:
Premium evidence development
Aventus Visa Agents:
Flexibility-focused program
Build additional evidence over 3-6 months, then refile with IGTA using strengthened case.
Prior filing fees can be credited toward partner program enrollment.
Our Commitment:
We don't file weak cases. Our vetting process ensures we only move forward with petitions we believe will succeed. But if something unexpected happens, we work with you until you're approved.
O-1 Success Stories with IGTA
Profile: Data Scientist from India with master's degree and strong technical background
Challenge: H-1B lottery rejections, wanted to work for multiple companies rather than being tied to one employer
Evidence Built:
✓ FAA Graduate Research Award (competed against MIT, Stanford, Johns Hopkins PhD students)
✓ 4 peer-reviewed publications in top-tier journals (Strategic Finance Magazine, Management Accounting Quarterly, Analytics Magazine, Transportation Research Record)
✓ Media coverage in AI Time Journal podcast and Inspirationfeed (6.6M monthly readers)
✓ Director role at IMA Research Foundation (140,000+ members globally)
✓ Judge for FAA research proposals, evaluating grant applications
Companies: Primary Agent: Bamsi Services & Procurement Corp.
Clients: Multiple Fortune 500 corporations, financial institutions, aviation industry organizations, accounting firms
IGTA Filing: Filed O-1 with IGTA as agent-petitioner, approved on first submission with no RFE
Result:
✓ Now consulting for 5+ companies simultaneously
✓ Higher income potential than single-employer salary
✓ Complete project flexibility
✓ Continues publishing research and judging proposals
✓ Path to EB-1A Green Card using same evidence
Quote: "Working with IGTA and Bamsi Services as my agent-petitioner changed everything. I'm not tied to one employer or one project. I consult for Fortune 500 companies, publish research, serve on expert panels, and choose the work that excites me. The O-1 gave me what H-1B never could—actual career freedom."
Profile: Creative Director behind award-winning video game "Adopt Me" with 64 million monthly players
Challenge: UK-based developer wanting US opportunities, needed visa structure allowing work across multiple studios while maintaining company ownership
Evidence Built:
✓ 64 million monthly active players on game
✓ 18 billion total visits, 1.78 million concurrent players (Roblox world record)
✓ 5 Roblox Bloxy Awards (Best Update, Most Concurrents, Most Visits, Studio of Year)
✓ Warner Brothers partnership for SCOOB film promotion
✓ Major media coverage: Forbes, Washington Post, BBC, CNBC, The Economist, PC Gamer
✓ Selected for Roblox Accelerator Program (30 of thousands chosen)
Companies: Primary Agent: Treetop Games LLC (Austin, Texas) Partner Studio: Uplift Games
Own Company: Lionfield Investments Ltd (London, UK) Brand Partners: Warner Brothers, Roblox Corporation
IGTA Filing: Filed O-1B (arts) with IGTA coordinating agent relationship with Treetop Games
Result:
✓ Works with Treetop Games in Austin on Adopt Me and new projects
✓ Collaborates with Uplift Games on multiple gaming titles
✓ Maintains ownership of UK company Lionfield Investments
✓ Accepts Warner Brothers deals and major brand partnerships
✓ Builds new games freely
✓ Complete creative control
Quote: "The agent-based structure through IGTA and Treetop Games was perfect. I'm working on Adopt Me in Austin, partnering with Uplift Games on new projects, running my UK company Lionfield Investments, and taking meetings with Warner Brothers—all under one O-1B visa. No other visa structure gives creatives this kind of freedom."
O-1 Filing Questions Answered
-
If you currently meet 2 criteria, you're close but not quite ready for immediate filing. We recommend building additional evidence through one of our partner programs:
Innovative Automations: Systematically builds O-1 evidence for tech professionals through publications, media coverage, Fortune 500 projects, and award nominations over 6-8 months.
Pentos Partners: Premium evidence building with white-glove service, Wikipedia pages, and executive networking.
After strengthening your evidence to 3-4 criteria, return to IGTA for filing.
-
Yes, absolutely. O-1 offers significant advantages over H-1B:
H-1B Restrictions:
Tied to one employer
New petition needed to switch jobs
No business ownership
$100,000 minimum salary requirement
6-year maximum stay
O-1 Benefits:
Work for unlimited employers with agent-based structure
Switch companies freely without refiling
Start your own business allowed
No minimum salary requirement
Unlimited 3-year renewals
Many of our clients transition from H-1B to O-1 specifically to gain career flexibility.
-
Your initial O-1 visa is valid for 3 years. It can be renewed in 3-year increments unlimited times, as long as you continue working in your field of extraordinary ability.
There is no maximum length of stay on O-1, unlike H-1B which has a 6-year limit.
-
Yes. O-1 is an excellent pathway to EB-1A Green Card. The evidence you used for your O-1 petition often directly qualifies you for EB-1A permanent residency.
EB-1A has the same "extraordinary ability" standard as O-1. If you proved it once for O-1, you can prove it again for Green Card.
O-1 also allows "dual intent," meaning you can pursue Green Card while on O-1 status without jeopardizing your visa.
-
Your spouse and children under 21 can apply for O-3 dependent visas.
O-3 Benefits:
Same validity period as your O-1
Can attend school in the US
Can travel in and out of US freely
O-3 Limitations:
Cannot work in the US (spouse needs separate work visa for employment)
Tied to your O-1 status
Cost: $1,000 per family member through IGTA.
Alternative for working spouses: Apply for their own work visa (H-1B, O-1, etc.) or F-1 student visa with OPT work authorization.
-
No. Unlike H-1B which requires a specific employer, O-1 with agent-based structure requires an itinerary of work—not a single job offer.
Your work itinerary can include:
Multiple employer engagements
Consulting projects
Freelance work
Your own business activities
Speaking engagements
Advisory roles
IGTA as your agent-petitioner creates this itinerary, demonstrating to USCIS what work you'll be doing in the US. You don't need one specific employer committed before filing.
-
Yes, with agent-based O-1 structure. You can be the founder and CEO of a US company while on O-1 status.
The key is that IGTA remains your agent-petitioner managing your overall career, while your company is part of your work itinerary.
This is impossible with employer-sponsored O-1 or H-1B, which prohibit business ownership.
-
You can work remotely with O-1, as long as you're physically located in the United States.
Allowed:
Working remotely for US companies from your home in US
Working remotely for international companies while physically in US
Mix of remote and in-office work
Not Allowed:
Working remotely from outside the US for extended periods (violates visa status)
Your O-1 requires you to be physically present in the US. Short international business trips are fine, but your primary location must be US.
-
Payment plan option costs $12,000 total (vs $10,000 upfront).
Structure:
Minimum $2,000 per month
Must be paid in full before we file with USCIS
Example: 6 monthly payments of $2,000, then we submit your petition
Once payment is complete, we file your petition with USCIS and your case enters government processing.
Best for: Professionals who need budget flexibility but want to secure their O-1 filing.
IGTA vs Other Filing Options
IGTA O-1 Ready Filing
$10,000 (upfront) or $12,000 (payment plan)
What's Included:
✓ Agent-based petition allowing multiple employers
✓ Complete petition preparation (50-150 pages)
✓ Attorney coordination
✓ Work itinerary creation
✓ One RFE response
✓ Dedicated case manager
Best For:
✓ Professionals who already have 3+ O-1 criteria documented
✓ Anyone wanting career flexibility and multiple employer freedom
✓ People ready to file within 30 days
Not Included:
✓ Evidence building (you provide existing evidence)
✓ Additional publications or media (use existing documentation)
Innovative Automations Elite Program
$15,000 (6-8 months)
What's Included:
✓ Complete evidence building program (publications, media, projects)
✓ Real Fortune 500 project work
✓ 18-36 ghostwritten articles
✓ Media PR campaign
✓ Community access
✓ PLUS complete O-1 filing at program end
Best For:
✓ Tech professionals who need to BUILD evidence first
✓ Early-career developers with 0-2 criteria currently
✓ Anyone wanting systematic evidence creation plus filing
Timeline: 6-8 months evidence building, then filing
Pentos Partners Premium
$20,000 (8 months)
What's Included:
✓ Premium evidence building (unlimited certifications, 32 articles, 15+ media placements)
✓ Wikipedia page creation
✓ Conference speaking arrangements
✓ White-glove service
✓ PLUS complete O-1 filing at program end
Best For:
✓ High-net-worth professionals seeking luxury service
✓ Executives and established professionals
✓ Cross-industry leaders (not just tech)
Timeline: 8 months premium evidence building, then filing
Immigration Lawyer Only
$5,000-$8,000
What's Included:
✓ Petition preparation and filing
✓ Legal consultation
✓ USCIS communication
Not Included:
✓ Agent-petitioner service (you need employer petitioner)
✓ Work itinerary (employer provides)
✓ Multiple employer freedom (tied to one company)
Best For:
✓ People who have both evidence AND employer willing to petition
✓ Those who don't need agent-based flexibility
Major Limitation: Without agent-based structure, you're tied to single employer like H-1B.
Why Choose IGTA?
✓ Agent-based structure = career freedom
✓ Multiple employer capability from day one
✓ Business ownership allowed
✓ No refiling when you switch jobs
✓ 94% approval rate
✓ World-class petition preparation
✓ Transparent pricing (no hidden fees)
The IGTA Advantage for O-1 Filing
500+ Successful O-1 Approvals We've filed and secured approval for over 500 O-1 visas across technology, business, sciences, and creative fields. Our experience spans every industry and nationality.
94% Approval Rate Our comprehensive petition preparation and strategic evidence presentation result in approval rates significantly higher than industry averages.
Agent-Petitioner Expertise We are one of the few firms specializing in agent-based O-1 petitions, understanding the unique requirements and advantages of this structure.
Multi-Employer Freedom Our agent-based petitions allow you to work for unlimited employers, start businesses, consult, and freelance—creating true career flexibility.
World-Class Petition Preparation Our petitions are comprehensive, strategic, and meticulously documented. We don't just fill out forms—we build compelling legal cases for your extraordinary ability.
Experienced Legal Team We work with immigration attorneys who specialize in O-1 visas, ensuring your petition meets all legal requirements and USCIS standards.
Transparent Pricing No hidden fees. $10,000 upfront or $12,000 payment plan for complete O-1 filing. Add-ons clearly listed. USCIS fees separate and disclosed.
Dedicated Case Management Every client gets a dedicated case manager who oversees your petition from assessment through approval, providing regular updates and direct communication.
RFE Protection One RFE response included in every package. If USCIS requests additional evidence, we handle the response at no extra cost.
Trusted By Leading Organizations
IGTA provides agent-based O-1 petition services for world-class professionals across technology, business, sciences, and creative industries.
Ready to File Your O-1 Visa?
Join 500+ professionals who chose IGTA for their O-1 petition. Whether you're in tech, business, sciences, or creative fields—we file visas that give you career freedom.
If you have 3+ of the 8 O-1 criteria documented, you're ready to file. If you're not sure, take our free assessment and we'll evaluate your evidence within 48 hours.
Pricing Reminder:
✓ Upfront Payment: $10,000
✓ Payment Plan: $12,000
What's Included:
✓ Agent-based Visa petition and the procurement of world class Visa work on the Petition
✓ Multiple employer freedom
✓ Business ownership rights
✓ Complete petition preparation
✓ One RFE response included
✓ 94% approval rate
✓ Filed within 30 days
✓ 500+ successful filings
✓ Agent-petitioner structure
✓ Work for unlimited companies
✓ Start your own business