Can I pursue a green card at the same time?

Yes. Pursuing a green card while holding an O-1 is a viable path, and it is not uncommon among highly qualified professionals.

The O-1 is a nonimmigrant visa designed for temporary stays by individuals with extraordinary abilities. Even so, the U.S. immigration system allows O-1 holders to begin an adjustment of status process toward permanent residence while maintaining their lawful status.

A key concept here is dual intent: the O-1 is among the visas that, in practice, allow holders to pursue a change of status while remaining in temporary status. That said, each step carries specific requirements, and any inconsistency in declared intentions or supporting documentation can cause delays.

For this reason, seek up-to-date information and consult USCIS or a qualified immigration professional, and be cautious of anyone promising fast or guaranteed results.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.