Fintech executive — O-1A approved in 11 business days, no RFE

Mr. E. is a senior executive in fintech and commercial banking who relocated his family to the U.S. and needed to be able to work shortly after arrival. The O-1A approval allowed him to start work immediately and gave his spouse and children dependent status.

The case had two practical constraints. First, the evidentiary record was distributed across several less-cited research papers, modest media coverage, and operational achievements — the "original major contributions" argument was not obvious. Second, the family was in the U.S. for a limited window, so adjudication had to land before they left.

We argued five O-1A criteria: media coverage, scholarly publications, original contributions of major significance to the industry, leading or critical role at distinguished organizations, and high salary. The case was scoped, drafted, and filed within one month of engagement.

Filed January 14, 2025; approved February 3, 2025 — 11 business days under premium processing, no RFE.