Immigration Attorney here. AMA about O-1 and EB-1!

Hi r/O1VisasEB1Greencards! I'm Andrew Smith, an immigration attorney at Manifest Law. Over the past 7 years I've worked with thousands of clients across academia, AI/ML, and the startup world on O-1 and EB-1A petitions.

A lot of people in this community are asking the right question which is not just "do I qualify" but "how do I build toward qualifying." Whether you are a founder trying to figure out if YC or TechCrunch coverage moves the needle, or a researcher mapping your O-1 profile toward EB-1A, the path is more intentional than people think.

I'll be here from 2 PM to 5 PM EST today. Ask me anything about:

• Profile evaluation for O-1A and O-1B, founders, CTOs, researchers and what actually clears the bar
• Premium processing timelines and what to expect right now
• Startup credentials, funding rounds, press coverage and advisory roles and how USCIS weighs them
• O-1 to EB-1A pathway and how to use your O-1 filing as a strategic stepping stone
• Critical role, high salary and original contributions criteria and what evidence works
• RFEs and how to respond when USCIS pushes back on your petition

Drop your questions below!

(Please note: Any information shared here is for general educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Your situation may require fact-specific guidance. For personalized legal advice, please consult an immigration attorney directly.)