The O-1 Visa Guide for Founders - V2.2

I'm not a lawyer - but have helped 200+ founders with their O-1 and run a community with 400 founders, looking to get their visa. I hope my guide will help you!

This Guide includes:

✅ July 2025 Updated Version

✅ A Blueprint for how to receive an O-1

✅ An overview of how you can work towards the criteria

✅ A specific section for students on F-1 / J-1 visas

✅ A list of lawyers

✅ A step-by-step guide to work through your petition

✅ Insider tips

✅ Comparison to other visa types


Detailed table of contents

Detailed table of contents

• Introduction

• Overview

• Timeline

• Terminology

• General Tips

• Checklist

• Visa types comparison – what else is out there?

• Choosing the right lawyer

• Law Firms

• Consultation and Questions

• Preparation and Evidence Collection

• The Criteria

1. Receipt of Nationally or Internationally Recognized Prizes or Awards for Excellence

2. Membership in Associations in the Field Which Demand Outstanding Achievement of Their Members

3. Published Material About the Applicant in Professional or Major Trade Publications or Other Major Media

4. Judge of the Work of Others in the Same or an Allied Field

5. Original Scientific, Scholarly, Artistic, Athletic, or Business-Related Contributions of Major Significance

6. Authorship of Scholarly Articles in the Field in Professional Journals or Other Major Media

7. Display of the Applicant’s Work at Artistic Exhibitions or Showcases

8. Performance in a Leading or Critical Role for Organizations or Establishments That Have a Distinguished Reputation

9. Commanding a High Salary or Other Significantly High Remuneration in Relation to Others in the Field

• Media Coverage Deep-Dive

• The Sponsoring Company

• Expert Letters

• Note on the phrasing of letters of recommendation vs. expert letters

• Submission

• RFE: What now?

• Approval and Next Steps

• Receiving your actual Visa

• The Visa Interview

• Receiving your Green Card

• Visa Transition and when you can start working

• Working on a Startup Idea as an F-1/J-1 Student

• Transition Timing, OPT (F-1) and Academic Training (J-1)

• Working on a Startup Idea as an H1B Visa Holder

• Q&A

• Additional Resources