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.

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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.

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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

P-1A Visa (Athletes or Athletic Teams)

Q: Who qualifies for a P-1A visa?

A: Individual athletes or athletes that are part of an athletic team, such as: Olympic or professional athletes, teams competing in leagues like the NBA, MLB, NHL, FIFA, competitors in international tournaments

Q: Do I need to be the winner of a gold medal or an Olympic athlete to qualify for a P-1A visa?

A: No, but you do need to demonstrate “international recognition” as defined by USCIS. For example, play in a top international league or have very high rankings or statistics in your sport with media recognition.

Q: What evidence is needed for P-1A?

A: Participation in a major international sports event, national or international rankings and statistics, awards, media coverage, contracts or proof of participation with professional leagues or internationally recognized competitions.

Q: Who files the petition for a P-1A visa?

A: A U.S. employer, team, or league files on behalf of the athlete or team; or a U.S. agent may file when multiple competitions or sponsors are involved.

P-1B Visa – (Entertainment Groups)

Q: Who qualifies for a P-1B visa?

A: Members of an entertainment group with a sustained international reputation for excellence such as musicians, dancers, DJs, culinary artists, circus performers or theatrical artists.

Q: What requirements and evidence is needed for a P-1B?

A: At least 75% of group members must have worked together for one year or more and the group must be internationally recognized, shown through press, awards, reviews, and consistent international performances.

Q: How is P-1B different from O-1B visa?

A: The P-1B visa is designed for groups rather than individual artists. At least 75% of the members must have performed together for a minimum of one year. The required evidence should focus on the group’s international reputation, and the visa is only granted for up to one year at a time.

Q: Who files the petition for a P-1B visa?

A: The U.S. company or organization that hired the entertainment group to perform, or a U.S. agent if the group will be performing at multiple venues or on tour.

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.

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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.

News & Events

Catch Up On News And Events

All News/events

O-1 Visa Services in Los Angeles, CA
Are you an individual with extraordinary ability looking to pursue your dreams in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, CA?...

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Can an O-1 Visa Lead to a Green Card?
A Strategic Guide to Transitioning from O-1 to EB-1A The O-1 visa is a powerful tool for individuals with extraordinary ability in...

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The $100,000 H-1B Fee: Why the O-1 Visa May Be the Smarter Path for Top Talent
In September 2025, the U.S. government introduced a sweeping change to the H-1B program, requiring a one-time $100,000 fee on...

Read More

Are you Looking for an Experienced Extraordinary Ability Visa and Green Card Attorney Just Contact Us
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6230 Wilshire Blvd, #21 Los Angeles, California 90048

jordana@matricardilaw.com

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This website may constitute attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This website is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice.

Matricardi Law

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First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

How Can We Help?

What type of immigration issue are you seeking assistance with:

Matricardi Law

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SECTION 1: Personal Information

First Name

Last Name

Email

Phone

Country of Citizenship

Current Immigration Status (if in the U.S.)

Field of Endeavor (e.g., dance, business, biomedical research

Field of Job Title or Occupation(e.g., dance, business, biomedical research

LinkedIn or Portfolio URL (optional)

SECTION 2: O-1B Evaluation (Arts, Film, TV, Music, Fashion, etc.)

Check all that apply:

Check all that apply:
I’ve received awards or prizes for excellence in my field I’ve been profiled or featured in major media outlets or industry publications I’ve performed in lead or starring roles in distinguished productions I’ve received critical acclaim or media reviews for my work I’ve earned a high salary compared to others in my industry I’ve worked for organizations or clients with a distinguished reputation

Would you like to pursue a temporary work visa (O-1B)?

Would you like to pursue a temporary work visa (O-1B)?
Yes No Not Sure

SECTION 3: O-1A Evaluation (Science, Business, Education, Athletics)

Check all that apply

Check all that apply
I’ve received national or international awards in my field I’m a member of associations that require outstanding achievements My work has been the subject of published material in major media I’ve judged the work of others in my field I’ve made original contributions of major significance I’ve published scholarly articles in journals or major media I’ve been employed in a critical capacity at distinguished organizations I’ve earned a high salary or compensation in my field

Would you like to pursue a temporary work visa (O-1A)?

Would you like to pursue a temporary work visa (O-1A)?
Yes No Not Sure

SECTION 4: EB-1A Evaluation (Green Card for Extraordinary Ability)

Check all that apply

Check all that apply:
I’ve received one-time major national or international award I meet at least 3 of the O-1A or O-1B criteria listed above I plan to continue working in the same field in the U.S. I am ready to file a green card petition (or will be in the next 6 months)

Would you like to explore the EB-1A green card option?

Would you like to explore the EB-1A green card option?
Yes No Maybe Later

OPTIONAL: Upload Supporting Materials

Upload any of the following if available (press, awards, CV, portfolio, letters)

Timeline & Next Steps

When do you plan to apply?

When do you plan to apply?
Immediately In the next 1–3 months Exploring options for later

Would you like to schedule a free consultation?

Would you like to schedule a free consultation?
Yes No