Visto n' Visa
Blog
Notícias e artigos
Destinations
Careers
Immigrants

Do I know the consul personally? Does that help?

Knowing the consul does not influence the O visa process, which is based on legal and objective criteria, ensuring a fair and secure evaluation for all candidates.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on January 24, 2026
2 min read
Share

When we talk about obtaining the O visa, it is important to understand that the process is conducted based on regulations and objective criteria, which aim to ensure that all applicants are evaluated fairly and consistently, regardless of personal or familiar relationships.

Although knowing a consul personally may seem like an advantage, in practice, this relationship does not change the legal requirements nor the merits of your application. Consular officers are required to follow strictly established immigration procedures and laws. In other words, decisions regarding visas, such as the O visa, rely on strong documentation and clear evidence of skill or recognition in the field of expertise, rather than personal factors.

It is fundamental to remember that even with close relationships, United States immigration rules must be rigorously followed. The process involves a detailed analysis of the candidate”s qualifications and compliance with specific criteria for the visa in question. Therefore, any personal relationship should not be used as a substitute for a solid and well-founded application.

Finally, we always recommend caution when seeking information or promises of guaranteed results. Look for reliable and specialized sources in the immigration field to avoid falling for scams or marketing campaigns that promise non-existent shortcuts. Following the law and preparing a complete application is the best way to increase your chances of success in the immigration process.

Learn more about O-1 Visa

Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Initial validity
3 years
Extension
1 year at a time (unlimited)
Processing
2-4 months
All about O-1 Visa
Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.

Victoria's tips

Do I know the consul personally? Does that help?

Knowing the consul does not influence the O visa process, which is based on legal and objective criteria, ensuring a fair and secure evaluation for all candidates.

Recommended reading about O-1

More content about O-1