The O-1 is a temporary work visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field. This category covers areas such as science, business, education, athletics, arts, and the motion picture or television industry. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim and be coming to the U.S. to continue working in their area of expertise. Learn more on the USCIS website.

An O-1 agent is a U.S. person or entity authorized to act as the official petitioner on your O-1 visa. The agent pathway is especially helpful if you work for multiple employers, are self-employed, are a founder or entrepreneur, or have both a regular full-time job and income from different sources such as consulting, publishing, or speaking engagements. Learn more on the USCIS website.

Anyone who qualifies for an O-1 and can demonstrate offers of work in the US. These can be actual job offers or letters of intent, but cannot just be theoretical. Your employer(s) must also be willing to recognize the agent in writing.

An employer petitioner sponsors you for one specific job at their company. An agent petitioner sponsors you for a portfolio of work, which may include your own company, multiple clients, or a mix of regular employment and side projects. The agent provides the petitioning function but does not employ you directly. This gives you greater flexibility in your earnings potential while keeping your status compliant and providing stability against a single job loss.

The typical process from contract engagement to the Petitioner’s Statement being issued is 2–4 weeks. We collaborate with you to build your itinerary thoroughly and carefully, setting you up to successfully navigate a career in the U.S. The overall O-1 preparation process typically takes 1 - 4 months, depending on your attorney.

A legitimate O-1 agent’s responsibilities go beyond issuing a Petitioner’s Statement. We also: Maintain detailed records of your engagements to be prepared for any USCIS audit or request for evidence Provide expert guidance on employment contracts and work opportunities to help you succeed in the U.S.

No. You will still need an immigration attorney of your choice to prepare and file your petition, either through your employer or independently. Ambra Talent Group provides the Petitioner’s Statement and agent services, but does not provide legal counsel. We can recommend trusted attorneys on request.

Yes. We are happy to work with any licensed immigration attorney you choose. If you do not yet have one, we can connect you with trusted attorneys we regularly collaborate with. The decision on who represents you legally is always yours.

You can still use the agent model even if you have a W-2 employer. In this case, your employer simply provides a contract or job offer as part of your itinerary. We will work with you and your attorney to make sure your employer understands that: They are not responsible for filing your petition They only need to provide documentation of your employment and acknowledge us as your agent (we will provide a template) You remain fully authorized to work for them under the O-1 We are happy to provide guidance on how to present the agent model to your prospective employer, and can connect directly with their HR team to answer any questions they might have.

Typically, no. Employers do not pay agent fees unless you negotiate this as part of your employment package. The O-1 agent relationship is between you and Ambra Talent Group. However, some employers may agree to reimburse these fees as part of your negotiated compensation.

Yes. You can switch from an employer-sponsored O-1 to the agent model by filing a new O-1 petition with Ambra Talent Group as your agent petitioner. This allows you to expand your scope of work beyond a single employer.

We work with both O-1A and O-1B extraordinary talent across the full spectrum of Business occupations, the Sciences, Arts, Sports, and more.

Yes. Paid work performed while you are here in the U.S. for organizations outside the U.S. can be included in your itinerary if properly documented. We believe that international work should supplement, not replace, your U.S. engagements.

One of the advantages of the agent model is flexibility. If one engagement ends, we will work with you to identify or add another to your itinerary so you remain compliant. You should always check with your attorney with questions of status and whether or not an amendment is required when you add a new work engagement.

Ambra only takes on clients with a high likelihood of O-1 approval. However, we understand that surprises happen. In the event that your O-1 is denied, we will refund you 50% of the total onboarding fees.

Yes, as long as there’s a credible itinerary of engagements, even before funding.

We will maintain your work itinerary and records and respond to all verification requests in a timely manner.

Yes. If you do not keep your agent updated with new jobs or paid engagements, you may fall out of compliance with USCIS requirements, and we would have no choice but to withdraw your O-1 petition. We take compliance very seriously. Your O-1 petition is based on the work listed in your itinerary, and it is your responsibility to ensure that all new engagements are documented with your agent. Working with a legitimate O-1 agent means maintaining accurate records so that if USCIS requests verification, your status remains strong and valid. This requirement protects your standing with USCIS.

Yes, but we do not recommend it.

Yes. While we are happy to work with any attorney of your choosing, we recommend Waypoint Immigration as a reputable and trustworthy immigration firm.