jsmvisa.com

Immigration Attorney

Extraordinary Talent Deserves Extraordinary Representation.

Whether you’re an artist, designer, tech innovator, or entrepreneur, your talent is unique — and your visa strategy should be too. I provide personalized, hands-on legal guidance for O-1, P-1, and EB-1 green card applications.

Schedule Free Consultation

Unsure where to start? Call us today — we’ll walk you through your options.

O-1 Artist Visa

For artists, musicians, filmmakers, and other creatives with exceptional talent.

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P-1 Performer Visa

For groups, entertainers, or teams performing at a distinguished level.

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EB-1 Green Card

For top-tier professionals in the arts, sciences, or business.

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ABOUT Matricardi

Immigration Services ForExtraordinary Talent

Jordana Schwartz-Matricardi is a seasoned immigration attorney with over a decade of experience helping artists, creators, and innovators secure O-1, P-1, and EB-1 visas. She works one-on-one with clients to build strong, tailored petitions — even for those with unconventional backgrounds.
From first-time applicants to high-profile professionals, Jordana guides clients through every step with clarity, care, and creativity. Her approach combines deep legal knowledge with a personal commitment to every case.

Step-by-Step Help
I’ll walk you through every part of the process — from gathering documents to final submission — so you’re never left guessing.

Proven Experience
I’ve helped hundreds of creatives and professionals get approved, even when their cases didn’t fit the typical mold.

Find Your Best Fit

Don’t know which visa is right for you?

Take our quick 60-second intake — answer a few questions and we’ll point you to the best visa for your goals.

Start Questionnaire

Answers to Common Questions About O-1B, O-1A, and EB-1A

Extraordinary Ability Visa FAQ

General Questions

Q: What is an “extraordinary ability” visa?

A: It’s a U.S. visa category for individuals who have risen to the top of their field. These visas recognize sustained national or international acclaim in areas like arts, sciences, business, education, athletics, or entertainment.

Q: What’s the difference between O-1 and EB-1A visas?

A:
O-1 is a temporary nonimmigrant visa (typically 3 years, renewable).
EB-1A is a green card category for permanent residence.
The eligibility standards are similar, but the EB-1A has higher evidentiary requirements and does not require a job offer

O-1B (Arts, Film, TV)

Q: Who qualifies for an O-1B visa?

A: Artists, actors, directors, musicians, designers, choreographers, stylists, and others in the creative and entertainment industries with documented acclaim and recognition.

Q: Do I need to win an Oscar or Grammy to qualify?

A: No. While a major award helps, most applicants qualify by meeting at least 3 of 6 regulatory criteria, including press, lead roles, critical reviews, and work for prestigious clients.

Q: What types of evidence count for O-1B?

A: Reviews, features in major media, festival awards, prominent performances, testimonials from industry experts, and evidence of working with top-tier organizations or studios.

Q: Do I need a job offer for an O-1B visa?

A: Reviews, features in major media, festival awards, prominent performances, testimonials from industry experts, and evidence of working with top-tier organizations or studios.

O-1A (Science, Business, Education, Athletics)

Q: Who qualifies for an O-1A visa?

A: Professionals with extraordinary achievements in fields like science, technology, academia, business, or sports—such as researchers, founders, engineers, professors, or elite athletes

Q: What’s the difference between O-1A and O-1B?

A:
O-1A covers non-arts fields.
O-1B is limited to the arts, entertainment, and creative sectors.

Q: What are examples of O-1A evidence?

A: Published research, patents, high-impact contributions, judging panels, awards, leadership roles, critical employment, or high salary compared to others in the field.

Q: Can startup founders qualify for O-1A?

A: Yes—if they can show innovation, media attention, funding milestones, product success, or industry recognition

EB-1A (Green Card for Extraordinary Ability)

Q: What is an EB-1A green card?

A: It’s a first-preference immigrant visa for individuals with extraordinary ability who plan to continue working in their field in the U.S. It allows self-petitioning—no employer required.

Q: How is EB-1A different from O-1?

A:
EB-1A grants permanent residence.
It has a higher standard of evidence than O-1, requiring not just extraordinary ability but also sustained impact and national/international acclaim.

Q: How many criteria do I need to meet?

A: USCIS requires you to meet at least 3 out of 10 criteria, but you must also prove that your contributions have placed you at the very top of your field.

Q: Can I apply for EB-1A while on an O-1 visa?

A: Yes. Many individuals transition from O-1 to EB-1A as their career matures. The two paths are often strategically paired.

Q: Do I need an employer to sponsor my EB-1A?

A: No. EB-1A allows for self-petitioning. However, you must show that you intend to continue working in your field in the U.S.

NEXT STEPS

Q: How do I know which visa is right for me?

A: Fill out our 60-second eligibility form and we’ll review your qualifications. We’ll then recommend the best visa path based on your background and goals.

A: Fill out our 60-second eligibility form and we’ll review your qualifications. We’ll then recommend the best visa path based on your background and goals.

A: Fill out our 60-second eligibility form and we’ll review your qualifications. We’ll then recommend the best visa path based on your background and goals.

Don't See Your Question?

Contact us and we'll help you right away!

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how we help clients

Five Simple Steps to Your U.S. Visa

From your first question to final approval, you deal only with Jordana—no hand-offs. She explains the rules in plain English, sets firm deadlines, assembles airtight evidence, and sends proactive updates so you can focus on your craft, not paperwork.

Book Your Strategy Call

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation so Jordana can confirm eligibility and lay out a custom action plan.

Build the Evidence File

Jordana works with you to draft support letters, organize press, and gather every document USCIS needs to see.

Prepare Case

Jordana will complete all required forms, drafting a compelling petition, and organizing your materials to present your case to USCIS in a strong and effective way.

File and Track Your Petition

The complete package is submitted—then monitored daily for status changes or RFEs.

Approval & Next Moves

Receive your approval notice plus clear guidance on activation, travel, and future renewals.

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Have Questions?

Immigration Attorney

Extraordinary Talent Deserves Extraordinary Representation.

Unsure where to start? Call us today — we’ll walk you through your options.

O-1 Artist Visa

P-1 Performer Visa

EB-1 Green Card

ABOUT Matricardi

Immigration Services ForExtraordinary Talent

Step-by-Step Help

Proven Experience

Find Your Best Fit

Don’t know which visa is right for you?

Answers to Common Questions About O-1B, O-1A, and EB-1A

Extraordinary Ability Visa FAQ

General Questions

O-1B (Arts, Film, TV)

O-1A (Science, Business, Education, Athletics)

EB-1A (Green Card for Extraordinary Ability)

NEXT STEPS

Don't See Your Question?

Contact us and we'll help you right away!

how we help clients

Five Simple Steps to Your U.S. Visa

Book Your Strategy Call

Build the Evidence File

Prepare Case

File and Track Your Petition

Approval & Next Moves

News & Events

Catch Up On News And Events

News/Event

News/Event

News/Event

News/Event

Are you Looking for an Experienced Extraordinary Ability Visa and Green Card Attorney Just Contact Us

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Matricardi Law

Free Consultation

Matricardi Law

Free Consultation