Z was once sent back after entering on a visitor visa on suspicion of unauthorized employment, and was later refused a student visa three times, leaving a complicated immigration record. He hoped to use an O-1 to move past this history and lead the company he had founded in the United States.

The petitioning company was 100% owned by him, a typical self-employed structure that USCIS may question for lack of independence. Combined with his earlier removal and visa refusals, the consular interview carried very high risk.

We adjusted the company's ownership structure and strengthened the evidence of independent operations. We also ran multiple rounds of mock interview coaching and prepared complete explanations for any questions about his history.

The consulate approved the O-1 visa, and his earlier removal and visa refusals posed no real obstacle.