Helping Talented Professionals Secure O-1, P, and EB-1 Visas

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we offer tailored immigration solutions for individuals with extraordinary abilities. Whether you’re an elite athlete, world-renowned artist, or a high-achieving professional in science, education, or business, our legal team helps you navigate complex visa options designed for top-tier talent.

We understand the competitive nature of your field and the urgency of immigration timelines related to tours, performances, competitions, or research. Our strategic, proactive approach — combined with creative legal solutions tailored to each client’s goals — ensures that you’re well-positioned for success from the moment your petition is filed.

We also assist individuals in creative and emerging fields—such as culinary arts—whose exceptional talent merits recognition under O or EB visa classifications.

Schedule a Consultation

O-1 Visas for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability

The O-1 visa is for individuals who can demonstrate a high level of distinction in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or in the motion picture or television industry.

Who It’s For?

It is designed for individuals who have demonstrated sustained excellence in the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics:

  • O-1A: For individuals in science, education, business, or athletics.
  • O-1B: For individuals in the arts, or in film and television — this may include renowned culinary professionals with a record of distinction.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must provide documentation that meets at least three of several USCIS criteria, such as:

  • Receipt of nationally or internationally recognized awards
  • Critical roles for distinguished organizations
  • Press coverage, published materials, or original contributions
  • High salary or compensation for services
  • Membership in associations requiring outstanding achievement

đź“Ś A U.S. petitioner (employer or agent) is required.

Duration, Extension, and Family Considerations

  • Initial approval: Up to 3 years (based on the length of the event or project)
  • Extensions: In 1-year increments
  • Dependents: Spouse and children can apply for O-3 visas (not work-authorized, but can study)
  • O-2 Visas: Available to individuals who are essential to and an integral part of the O-1 beneficiary’s performance or production. Only available in the fields of arts, motion picture, or television.

Important Considerations

  • Peer consultation letters may be required for certain arts or entertainment occupations.
  • The petition must show a clear itinerary of work in the U.S.
  • The bar for “extraordinary ability” is high but achievable with the right evidence strategy.

How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration helps:

  • We analyze your career accomplishments and help frame them within USCIS criteria.
  •  We assist in gathering supporting letters, preparing union consultations, and assembling persuasive evidence.
  • For touring artists or event-driven applicants, we manage strict timelines and itinerary filings.
  • We represent distinguished culinary professionals and chefs, building evidence portfolios that highlight their artistic contributions and global acclaim.
  • We also advise on transitions to permanent residence via EB-1 categories.
Schedule a Consultation

P Visas for Athletes and Entertainers

The P visa category supports athletes and entertainers who are coming to the U.S. to perform individually or as part of a group.

Who It’s For?

The P visa is designed for internationally recognized athletes, entertainment groups, and culturally unique performers entering the U.S. temporarily to perform, compete, or participate in an exchange program.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • P-1A: For internationally recognized individual athletes or teams.
  • P-1B: For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.
  • P-2: For artists and entertainers under reciprocal exchange programs.
  • P-3: For artists participating in culturally unique programs or performances.
  • P-1S, P-2S, and P-3S: For essential support personnel who are integral to the performance of P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holders, respectively. These staff members must provide services that cannot be readily performed by U.S. workers and are considered essential to the success of the event, production, or primary P visa holder’s performance.

đź“Ś Applicants must be sponsored by a U.S. employer or organization and provide contracts and a detailed itinerary.

Duration, Extension, and Family Considerations

  • P-1 athletes: Up to 5 years initially; extensions for a total stay of up to 10 years
  • P-1B, P-2, P-3: Valid for the duration of the performance or program (up to 1 year; extensions permitted)
  • P-4 dependents may accompany the principal applicant (no work authorization)
  • P-1S, P-2S, and P-3S Visas: Duration generally aligns with the principal visa holder’s event or performance schedule, not exceeding one year. Extensions of stay are available for longer stays.

Important Considerations

  • Group eligibility often requires evidence of sustained international acclaim.
  • P-1B applicants must demonstrate that at least 75% of the group has performed together for a year or more.
  • Advisory opinion letters from labor unions or peer groups are often required.
  • P-1S, P-2S, and P-3S visa petitions must be linked to a corresponding P-1, P-2, or P-3 petition and cannot be filed independently.

How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration helps:

  • We manage complete filing for solo and group P petitions, including performer rosters and travel plans.
  • We work with promoters, leagues, sponsors, and agents to compile required documentation.
  • For culturally unique performers, we build strong narratives that emphasize cultural significance.
Schedule a Consultation

EB-1A: Green Card for Individuals of Extraordinary Ability

The EB-1A visa allows foreign nationals with extraordinary ability to obtain permanent residency without the need for employer sponsorship.

Who It’s For?

The EB-1A category offers a self-petition pathway to permanent residency for individuals with sustained national or international acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must show either:

  • Receipt of a major international award (e.g., Nobel Prize), or
  • At least three of ten evidentiary criteria, including:
    • Published material about the individual
    • Membership in prestigious organizations
    • Judging others’ work
    • High salary, etc.

đź“Ś No job offer, or labor certification required

Duration, Adjustment, and Family Considerations

  • Grants permanent resident status (green card)
  • Priority dates are generally current
  • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 are eligible for green cards as derivative beneficiaries

Important Considerations

  • This is a high-bar visa, but uniquely advantageous because it does not require employer sponsorship.
  • Ideal for independent professionals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers.
  • Requires a clear plan to continue working in the field after obtaining permanent residence.

How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration helps:

  • We develop compelling, evidence-rich petitions tailored to your professional history.
  • We manage strategy, documentation, and USCIS presentation to meet the high standards of the EB-1A category.
  • We also coordinate consular processing or adjustment of status, depending on your location.
Schedule a Consultation

EB-1B: Green Card for Outstanding Professors and Researchers

The EB-1 visa allows outstanding professors and researchers to obtain permanent residency in the U.S.

Who It’s For?

EB-1B is a permanent residence option for researchers and professors with international recognition and a qualifying offer from a U.S. academic institution or private employer with a research division.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • At least three years of experience in teaching or research
  • Must meet at least two of six specific evidentiary criteria (e.g., authorship, awards, memberships, peer-reviewed contributions)

đź“Ś Must have a permanent job offer from a qualifying U.S. employer

Duration, Adjustment, and Family Considerations

  • Grants lawful permanent resident status
  • Spouse and children under 21 are eligible for green cards
  • No labor certification required

Important Considerations

  • Requires employer sponsorship, unlike EB-1A
  • Beneficial for researchers in STEM, medicine, academia, and scientific innovation.

How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration helps:

  • We work directly with universities, think tanks, and research organizations to prepare EB-1B filings.
  • We advise faculty and institutional sponsors on required documentation and evidence thresholds.
  • Our team ensures the case is positioned for approval with minimal delays.
Schedule a Consultation

EB-1C: Green Card for Certain Multinational Managers or Executives

The EB-1C visa allows multinational executives and managers to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. without going through the labor certification process. It provides a path to a green card for those who have been transferred to a U.S. office of a qualifying international company.

Who It’s For?

EB-1C is designed for executives or managers who:

  • Have been employed abroad by a multinational company for at least one of the past three years, and
  • Are entering the U.S. to continue working for the same company or an affiliate in a managerial or executive capacity.

Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must demonstrate:

  • A qualifying relationship between the U.S. company and the foreign company (e.g., parent, branch, subsidiary, or affiliate).
  • At least one year of full-time employment abroad in a managerial or executive role during the past three years.
  • A U.S. job offer for a position that is managerial or executive in nature.

đź“Ś Labor certification is not required.

Duration, Adjustment, and Family Considerations

  • Grants lawful permanent resident status (green card).
  • Spouses and children under 21 are eligible for green cards as derivative beneficiaries.
  • Beneficiaries can adjust status from L-1A or apply via consular processing abroad.

Important Considerations

  • Requires substantial documentation to prove company relationships and job duties.
  • Ideal for international businesses expanding operations into the U.S.
  • Timing and organizational structure are critical—especially for startups or recently formed U.S. entities.

How Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration helps:

  • We prepare thorough petitions that detail corporate structure, job functions, and eligibility.
  • We work with HR teams, executives, and general counsel to compile organizational charts, evidence of company operations, and executive responsibilities.
  • We guide applicants through both adjustment of status and consular processing based on their needs..
Schedule a Consultation

Common Challenges & How We Help

Immigration pathways for extraordinary ability applicants involve unique challenges — not just legal, but also personal and professional.

❌ Challenges Applicants Face: 

  • Difficulty presenting non-traditional accomplishments in legally persuasive terms
  • Navigating union consultations or advisory opinions for artists and entertainers
  • Proving group eligibility for athletes or performance troupes
  • Managing tight production, tour, or competition deadlines
  • Balancing nonimmigrant status with long-term green card goals


âś… How Benach, Pitney & Reilly Immigration Helps

  • We translate your career achievements into legally credible arguments under USCIS standards
  • We collaborate with agents, employers, and unions to smooth the process
  • We handle strategy, filings, and communications with USCIS and consulates
  • We tailor every petition to the individual’s background — from avant-garde musicians to Olympic athletes to tenured professors

Why Partner with Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration?

At Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration, we help extraordinary individuals bring their talent to the U.S. with clarity and confidence. Our firm is known for:

  • Tailored Legal Strategies for extraordinary ability cases
  • Proven Success in O-1, P, and EB-1 visa approvals
  • Deep Industry Knowledge across entertainment, sports, tech, and academia
  • Creative, Strategic Solutions – we develop innovative case strategies for individuals whose achievements may not follow traditional formats but clearly demonstrate extraordinary ability.
  • Nationwide & International Representation from filing to final approval


📌 Your talent deserves a stage. We’re here to make the legal path clear.

Schedule a Consultation

See What Our Clients Say About Us!

""I am beyond grateful for the incredible support I received from my immigration lawyer, Ava Benach, and her amazing team. From the very start, they treated me with kindness, patience, and understanding, making a complex and overwhelming process feel manageable. Despite the challenges of my case, Ava made the impossible possible. She is not only an exceptional attorney but also a compassionate and generous human being who genuinely cares about her clients. Her dedication, expertise, and unwavering support were invaluable to me. I also want to extend my deepest gratitude to Ava’s wonderful colleagues, Ashley and Erica, who were incredibly helpful, meticulous, and always punctual. Their attention to detail and commitment made all the difference, and I truly appreciate their hard work. The level of service I received was worth far more than the fees we paid. Ava’s knowledge and professionalism are unmatched, and I trusted her completely every step of the way. If you need an immigration lawyer who will fight for you while treating you with respect and care, I wholeheartedly recommend Ava Benach and her team. Thank you, Ava, Ashley, Erica, and the entire team, for everything you have done for me!"" - Abdullah K.
""For those of you who need immigration assistance from a kind human soul and an expert lawyer, you don’t need to look further than Ava Benach. I have known Ava since around 2013, and throughout the years, she has been more than just my lawyer—she has been a trusted advocate, a source of strength, and a guiding light during uncertain times. From the very first moment I spoke with her, I felt an immediate sense of trust and reassurance. She listens with genuine care, treats every case with the utmost dedication, and makes sure her clients fully understand their options. Ava’s expertise in immigration law is unmatched. She has an incredible ability to break down even the most complex legal matters, ensuring her clients feel informed and empowered. She is not just a brilliant attorney—she is also a compassionate human being who truly cares about the people she represents. Beyond her legal work, Ava’s dedication to helping others extends to her writing and advocacy. Her blog on naturalized citizenship and denaturalization is just one example of how she takes the time to educate and support not only her clients but also the wider immigrant community. She goes above and beyond to make sure people have the knowledge and resources they need to navigate their journey with confidence. I cannot fully express how grateful I am to have had Ava by my side. She is an exceptional attorney who fights tirelessly for justice while treating her clients with kindness, respect, and unwavering support. If you need an immigration lawyer who is not only highly skilled but also deeply compassionate, Ava Benach is the one to call. Thank you, Ava, for everything you have done for me and for so many others. You are truly making a difference in the world, and I am forever grateful."" - Genet A.
""I am incredibly grateful to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration for their outstanding support and expertise throughout my immigration case. From the very first consultation, I felt welcomed and assured that I was in good hands. The team was not only knowledgeable but also genuinely caring, taking the time to answer all my questions and explain the process in detail. Ava and Sarah were especially helpful, and they guided me every step of the way, providing clear communication and keeping me updated on progress. Their hard work and dedication made a significant difference in experience. I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone in need of immigration assistance. They are truly a team of professionals who care about their clients and fight for their success. Thank you once again, Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration !"" - Raymond A.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Thanks to your professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, your team demonstrated a genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration to anyone looking for a reliable, professional and efficient team for immigration matters and thank you. miss sarah pitney for helping me in this long process that gave everything so that i was in the best way thank you for everything"" - Carlos M.
""I cannot express enough gratitude to Benach Collopy LLP. Thanks to their professionalism, dedication, and deep knowledge of immigration law, I now have my green card. From day one, their team demonstrated genuine commitment to my case, providing not only expert advice but also compassionate support that made all the difference in this important process for me. I wholeheartedly recommend Benach Collopy LLP to anyone seeking a reliable, professional, and efficient team for immigration matters. Thank you for changing my life!"" - Alessia O.
""Ava is an immigration powerhouse! Her expertise and commitment to her clients are unmatched. While other lawyers were at a loss, Ava took charge and confidently navigated our case with precision. From day one, she knew exactly what needed to be done and executed it flawlessly. Thanks to Ava’s relentless dedication, we have our green card! She went above and beyond, and we are beyond grateful for her exceptional work. If you need an immigration expert, Ava is the one you want on your side."" - Fede P.
""My Immigration Journey: From Uncertainty to Triumph! I embarked on my immigration journey 5-6 years ago, navigating uncharted waters with little understanding of the complex process. I faced numerous challenges, changed lawyers, and sought answers, but to no avail. That was until I found Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Through diligent research, I discovered the right team and was fortunate to have Dree as my initial consultation attorney. She was knowledgeable, empathetic, and provided invaluable guidance, setting the tone for a successful partnership. As my case progressed, I had the pleasure of working with David, who took the reins and expertly navigated me through the remaining process. David, you are a beacon of hope, guidance, and humility. Your selflessness, compassion, and willingness to help are traits that make you an outstanding attorney and an inspiration to many. Under the exceptional guidance of Dree and David, my immigration process transformed from a daunting task to a manageable and successful journey. The entire team's professionalism, empathy, and commitment to excellence are unparalleled. To anyone seeking immigration guidance, I highly recommend Benach Pitney Reilly Immigration. Sofia , David, and the team are the epitome of excellence, and I'm honored to have had the privilege of working with them. Thank you, David and Sofia for being shining examples of what it means to serve with humility and kindness."" - Shoukat A.