Build Your Extraordinary Ability Profile
A systematic approach to developing the evidence and credentials you need for O-1 visa qualification. From zero criteria to filing-ready in 6-12 months.
Most Tech Professionals Aren't O-1 Ready—Yet
You have the skills. You have the experience. But USCIS requires documented proof of extraordinary ability across specific criteria.
Without strategic evidence building, even exceptional professionals face unnecessary delays and denials.
Common gaps we solve:
- No major publications or media coverage
- Limited awards or formal recognition
- Few documented contributions to your field
- No judge or expert roles on record
- Missing recommendation letters from industry leaders
The good news?
These gaps can be systematically closed with the right strategy and support.
Two Paths to O-1 Qualification
Choose the level of support that matches your timeline, budget, and goals. Both programs build the evidence you need—the difference is how much hands-on guidance you receive along the way.
Note: These programs focus on building your profile. Filing services are available separately, or you can choose our Filing Accelerator program that includes both profile building AND complete O-1 filing.
Tier 1
Profile Builder
Self-Directed Evidence Building
A comprehensive program for professionals who prefer structured independence. Access proven frameworks, tools, and resources to systematically build your O-1 profile at your own pace.
What's Included:
Evidence Building Framework
- Step-by-step roadmap for each O-1 criterion
- Templates for documentation and organization
- Best practices from 500+ successful cases
Publication Support
- Guidance on article topics and placement
- Access to publication opportunities
- Editorial support for your submissions
Milestone Tracking
- Self-assessment tools to measure progress
- Criterion-by-criterion tracking dashboard
- Regular check-ins on your timeline
Community & Learning
- Weekly group sessions with peers and experts
- Access to our private member community
- Library of expert-led training content
- 50+ on-demand learning modules
Research & Review Sessions
- Group peer review of your evidence
- Feedback on documentation strategy
- Weekly Q&A sessions with program advisors
Media & PR Guidance
- Templates for media outreach
- Strategies for securing coverage
- Portfolio positioning advice
Ideal For:
- Self-motivated professionals who thrive with structure
- Those with flexible timelines (12+ months to filing)
- Budget-conscious candidates building foundations
- International professionals outside the US
Investment
- Monthly $800/month 12-month program
- Quarterly $2,400 every 3 months (Same as monthly)
- Annual Prepay $8,000 one-time (Save $1,600)
Tier 2
Profile Builder Elite
Guided Evidence Building with Expert Support
A premium, high-touch program with personalized strategy and hands-on support at every step. Work directly with our team to accelerate your path to O-1 qualification.
Everything in Profile Builder PLUS:
1:1 Strategy Support
- Dedicated success advisor assigned to you
- Personalized evidence building roadmap
- Regular strategy sessions throughout your journey
Attorney-Guided Development
- Direct access to immigration counsel
- Legal perspective on your evidence strategy
- Guidance on positioning your achievements
Priority Project Placement
- Access to high-profile client projects
- Work that builds "critical role" evidence
- Documented achievements with recognizable names
Itinerary Development
- Strategic planning for your O-1 work plan
- Employer and client relationship guidance
- Documentation for USCIS requirements
O-1 Deal Memo Portal Access
- Free access to our proprietary opportunity platform
- Employer connections and work arrangements
- Deal memo templates and tracking
- (Normally requires separate subscription)
Monthly O-1 Readiness Evaluations
- Detailed assessment of your current standing
- Criterion-by-criterion scoring
- Gap analysis and next steps
Enhanced Support
- Priority response times (24-48 hours)
- Private communication channels
- Comprehensive document review
Ideal For
- Professionals who want expert guidance
- Those with 6-12 month timelines
- Candidates who value personalized attention
- Anyone who wants the highest probability of success
Investment
- Monthly $1,400/month 12-month commitment
- Quarterly $4,200 every 3 months (Same as monthly)
- Annual Prepay $15,000 one-time (Save $1,800)
Compare Profile Building Options
| Feature | Profile Builder | Profile Builder Elite |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Investment | $800/month | $1,400/month |
| Annual Total | $9,600 | $16,800 |
| Prepay Discount | $8,000 (save $1,600) | $15,000 (save $1,800) |
| Evidence Building Framework | ✓ | ✓ |
| Publication Support | ✓ | ✓ |
| Community & Learning | ✓ | ✓ |
| 50+ Training Modules | ✓ | ✓ |
| Group Research Sessions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Media/PR Templates | ✓ | ✓ |
| Milestone Tracking | Self-tracked | Advisor-guided |
| 1:1 Strategy Sessions | — | ✓ |
| Dedicated Success Advisor | — | ✓ |
| Attorney Access | — | ✓ |
| Priority Project Placement | — | ✓ |
| O-1 Deal Memo Portal | — | ✓ (Free access) |
| Monthly Readiness Evaluations | — | ✓ |
| Itinerary Development | — | ✓ |
| Priority Support (24–48hr) | — | ✓ |
| O-1 Filing Included | No | No |
Need filing included?
How We Develop Your Extraordinary Ability Profile
Our systematic approach addresses all 8 O-1 criteria. We help you build strength in 5-6 areas to ensure a compelling application.
Criterion 1
Awards & Recognition
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence.
How We Help:
- Identify relevant competitions, hackathons, and award programs
- Prepare compelling submissions and applications
- Nominate you for industry recognition opportunities
- Document and present all recognition strategically
Timeline: 3-6 months to first award
Criterion 2
Membership in Elite Organizations
What USCIS Wants:
Membership in associations that require outstanding achievements for admission.
How We Help:
- Research prestigious organizations in your field
- Prepare membership applications highlighting your qualifications
- Facilitate introductions where possible
- Document membership credentials properly
Timeline: 2-6 months depending on organization
Criterion 3
Published Material About You
What USCIS Wants:
Published material in professional or major trade publications about you and your work.
How We Help:
- Develop your media narrative and story angles
- Pitch your expertise to relevant publications
- Coordinate interviews and feature opportunities
- Secure coverage in recognized industry outlets
Timeline: 2-4 months to first feature
Criterion 4
Judging the Work of Others
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of participation as a judge of the work of others in your field.
How We Help:
- Connect you with judging opportunities at competitions and hackathons
- Arrange expert panel participation
- Facilitate peer review and evaluation roles
- Document all judging activities comprehensively
Timeline: 4-8 months (requires established reputation first)
Criterion 5
Original Contributions
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance.
How We Help:
- Identify and articulate your unique contributions
- Support open-source projects and technical innovations
- Assist with patent applications where applicable
- Document impact and significance of your work
Timeline: Ongoing throughout program
Criterion 6
Scholarly Articles
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in professional journals or major media.
How We Help:
- Guide topic selection aligned with your expertise
- Provide editorial support for your articles
- Connect you with publication opportunities
- Build a portfolio of published work under your name
Timeline: Articles begin month 1
Criterion 7
Critical or Essential Role
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for distinguished organizations.
How We Help:
- Place you on high-visibility projects with recognizable clients
- Document your essential contributions
- Secure recommendation letters from project stakeholders
- Build a portfolio demonstrating critical impact
Timeline: Ongoing throughout program
Criterion 8
High Salary or Remuneration
What USCIS Wants:
Evidence of commanding a high salary or remuneration relative to others in your field.
How We Help:
- Career coaching for salary negotiation
- Connect you with high-compensation opportunities
- Document your compensation relative to industry benchmarks
- Position your other achievements to command higher rates
Timeline: Depends on career stage and opportunities
Your Path from Enrollment to Filing-Ready
Foundation
Focus: Quick wins and infrastructure
Activities:
Months 1-3
- Complete detailed profile assessment
- Identify target criteria and gaps
- Launch professional portfolio presence
- Begin publication submissions
- Start project work (Elite tier)
- Join the member community
Milestone: Initial evidence baseline established
Acceleration
Months 4-6
Focus: Building visible achievements
Activities:
- Expand publication portfolio
- Launch media outreach campaign
- Submit award and recognition applications
- Pursue organization memberships
- Advance project contributions
- Secure initial recommendation letters
Milestone: Multiple criteria with documented evidence
Strengthening
Focus: Advanced recognition and expert positioning
Activities:
Months 7-9
- Major publication features secured
- Judge and expert roles established
- Speaking opportunities confirmed
- Advanced project leadership documented
- Evidence portfolio compiled
- Filing readiness assessment
Milestone: 5-6 criteria with strong evidence
Completion
Months 10-12
Focus: Final evidence and transition
Activities:
- Evidence package finalized
- All documentation organized
- Recommendation letters collected
- Filing strategy confirmed
- Transition to filing (if applicable)
Milestone: O-1 filing-ready profile
When You're Ready to File
Profile building is just the foundation. When you’re ready to actually file your O-1 petition, you have options:
Option 1
Upgrade to O-1 Filing Accelerator
Profile Builder graduates receive $2,000 off our complete filing program. The Filing Accelerator includes petition preparation, agent-petitioner service, attorney coordination, and two complete USCIS submissions.
Option 2
Use Your Own Attorney
Take your evidence package to the immigration attorney of your choice. Your documented achievements transfer seamlessly to any legal provider.
Option 3
Petitioner Service Only
If your attorney handles the petition but you need a petitioner, our agent-petitioner service is available separately.
Already Qualified?
If you score 35%+ on our assessment, you may be ready to file now. Our Ready Filing program serves candidates who already have strong O-1 credentials.
Is Profile Building Right for You?
Ideal Candidates:
Current Visa Status:
- F-1 students approaching graduation
- OPT holders with 6+ months remaining
- H-1B professionals seeking flexibility
- H-1B lottery rejects building alternatives
- International professionals outside the US
Professional Background:
- 2-5 years of relevant experience
- Strong technical or business expertise
- Bachelor's or master's degree
- Currently employed or actively working
Evidence Status:
- Currently meet 0-2 O-1 criteria
- Limited publications or media coverage
- No major awards or recognition yet
- Want systematic path to qualification
Not the Right Fit:
Already meet 3+ strong criteria
Consider Ready Filing instead
Need approval within 3 months
Timeline may not allow for profile building
Just need a petitioner
See our Agent Petitioner Service
Score 35%+ on our assessment
You may be ready to file now
Want filing included
See O-1 Filing Accelerator
Your Commitment to Success
Profile building requires active participation. We provide the framework, resources, and support—you bring the dedication.
Time Investment:
- 8-12 hours per week on program activities
- Regular attendance at sessions and workshops
- Prompt response to opportunities and deadlines
Active Participation:
- Complete assignments and submissions on time
- Review and approve content in your name
- Engage with the community and your cohort
- Follow your personalized roadmap
Realistic Expectations:
- Evidence building takes 6-12 months minimum
- Results depend on your effort and engagement
- No one can guarantee USCIS approval
- This enhances your credentials—it doesn't replace professional development
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Profile Builder and Profile Builder Elite?
Profile Builder provides structured frameworks, resources, and group support for self-directed evidence building. You get everything you need to build your profile systematically, but you drive the process.
Profile Builder Elite adds personalized guidance: a dedicated success advisor, 1:1 strategy sessions, attorney access, priority project placement, Deal Memo Portal access, and monthly readiness evaluations. You get hands-on support at every step.
Both programs build the same evidence—Elite accelerates the process with expert guidance and better opportunities.
Can I do this while working full-time?
Yes. Most participants maintain full-time employment or studies while in the program. The time commitment is 8-12 hours per week, and scheduling is flexible around your primary responsibilities.
Can I do this while on F-1 or OPT?
Absolutely. Many of our participants are F-1 students or OPT holders. The program activities (writing articles, participating in communities, building projects) are consistent with maintaining your student status. We can discuss your specific situation during your strategy call.
What if I'm on H-1B?
H-1B holders can participate fully in profile building activities. Many of our participants are building O-1 profiles as a backup or alternative to H-1B limitations. Your current employment remains unaffected.
Does this include O-1 filing?
No. These programs focus on building your evidence and credentials. When you’re ready to file, you can:
- Upgrade to our O-1 Filing Accelerator (graduates receive $2,000 off)
- Work with the immigration attorney of your choice
- Use our petitioner service with your own attorney
If you want profile building AND filing included from the start, the O-1 Filing Accelerator program is designed for you.
How long until I'm ready to file?
Most participants reach filing-ready status within 6-12 months, depending on their starting point and engagement level. Some build strong profiles faster; others benefit from additional time to strengthen their evidence.
Monthly readiness evaluations (Elite tier) or self-assessments (Profile Builder tier) track your progress toward filing qualification.
What if I want to add filing later?
Profile Builder graduates who want IGTA to file their O-1 petition receive $2,000 off our filing services. You can also upgrade to the full Filing Accelerator program mid-journey if your goals change.
Can I switch from Profile Builder to Elite?
Yes. If you start with Profile Builder and decide you want more hands-on support, you can upgrade to Elite. We’ll credit your payments toward the new tier and transition you seamlessly.
Can I upgrade to the Filing Accelerator mid-program?
Yes. If you decide you want filing services included, you can upgrade to the Filing Accelerator at any time. We’ll credit your existing payments and adjust your program accordingly.
What industries do you work with?
Our programs serve professionals across technology, AI/ML, data science, software engineering, product management, and related fields. We also work with professionals in sports, entertainment, and creative industries through our affiliated brands.
Can international professionals outside the US join?
Yes. A significant portion of our participants are based outside the United States. Profile building activities can be completed from anywhere, and we’ll prepare you for filing when you’re ready to pursue US employment.
What's the O-1 Deal Memo Portal?
The Deal Memo Portal is our proprietary platform connecting O-1 candidates with employers and opportunities. It includes work arrangements, deal memo templates, and employer introductions. Elite tier members get free access (normally requires separate subscription).
What happens if I need to pause the program?
Life happens. Profile Builder Elite participants may request one 60-day pause after completing the first 3 months. Profile Builder participants can pause at the end of any quarterly period. Contact your program advisor to discuss options.
Do you guarantee O-1 approval?
No one can legally guarantee USCIS approval—be wary of anyone who claims otherwise. What we provide is a systematic approach to building the strongest possible evidence for your O-1 petition. Our filing programs maintain a 94% approval rate because we only proceed to filing when the evidence is strong.
What happens to my work if I leave the program?
Everything created under your name—articles, publications, project documentation—belongs to you permanently. If you leave the program, you keep all your evidence and can continue your O-1 journey independently or with another provider.
How many people are in each cohort?
We accept approximately 30-40 new participants per month to maintain quality and individual attention. Profile Builder Elite has smaller cohort sizes for more personalized support. The overall community includes 500+ professionals at various stages.
What if I realize I need more support than Profile Builder offers?
You can upgrade to Profile Builder Elite at any time. We’ll credit your existing payments and transition you to the higher tier with full access to Elite benefits.
Start Building Your O-1 Profile Today
The H-1B lottery rejected over 670,000 qualified professionals in 2024. Don’t leave your career to random chance. Build O-1 qualification through documented merit.
What Happens Next:
Take the Free Assessment
(2 minutes) See which O-1 criteria you currently meet and identify your gaps
Book a Strategy Call
(15-30 minutes) Discuss your specific situation and determine the right program fit
Enroll and Start Building
Join your cohort and begin systematic evidence development
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