USER-CENTRIC CARE FOR US VISA APPLICATIONS

Connection matters - Stress-free O-1 visa success

Contributor

Tukki

Reading time

4 min read

Date published

Aug 5, 2025

As Co-founder of Domu, a fintech startup innovator in Brazil, Camila Zancanella is no stranger to navigating complexity—at least when it comes to growing a company. But the US immigration system presented a different kind of challenge.

For Camila, the opportunity arose to expand her company’s presence in the US, and securing an O-1 visa became her top priority. Navigating the complex immigration process was simplified thanks to the innovative platform and dedicated team she discovered through a previous visa petitioner.

How did this visa hopeful find the right fit?

As a startup founder, Camila is adept at managing high-pressure situations, but the intricacies of the US immigration process presented unique challenges. The O-1A visa required extensive documentation, including letters from experts and proof of her extraordinary achievements.

Her decision to partner with Tukki came after a trusted referral, and the choice was solidified after her first meeting with the team. “From the first meeting, I felt a connection,” says Camila. “Tukki’s team understood my needs and made the process feel approachable and well-organized.”

User-centric care for US visa applications

In an interview with our team, Camila shared the reasons she chose Tukki to manage her O-1A visa process.

Empathetic support: Camila valued the consistent care and responsiveness of Tukki’s team.

“Whenever I felt lost, someone was always there to help me out—sometimes responding within minutes. That kind of support made all the difference.”

Streamlined process: Tukki’s platform simplified the application process by providing clear steps and real-time feedback.

“I didn’t even see the time pass. The platform made it clear what I needed to do next, and I didn’t have to figure everything out on my own.”

Stress-free feedback: Quick feedback and transparency helped Camila stay organized and focused.

“When I submitted something, I’d get quick feedback—whether it was approved or needed improvement. That organization saved me so much time.”

What did the O-1A visa process entail?

The O-1A visa requires applicants to demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field. For Camila, that meant documenting Domu’s fintech impact and her leadership achievements. For this, “the platform was a game changer,” affirms Camila. “Everything I needed—documents, timelines, feedback—was organized in one place. It was simple to track progress and know what came next.”

A premium immigration experience

“Immigration processes can be so stressful, but Tukki really cared about me and my experience. They were there for me at every turn, making sure I felt supported.”

The combination of cutting-edge technology and compassionate service was what stood out for Camila, which is no surprise to Tukki’s team since fast responses and an efficient platform were huge parts of the product design process. Visa applications can be smooth and should feel like an empowering experience.

Empowered to build Domu’s US presence

With her O-1A visa approved, Camila is now settled in San Francisco with her husband and their beloved husky. She’s excited to expand Domu’s US client base and foster relationships within the fintech ecosystem. “Being closer to our US clients will make a huge difference for Domu. The relationships we build in person will take our service to the next level.”

In fact, Camila’s positive experience with Tukki has inspired her to bring the platform to her team as they navigate their own immigration processes: “Tukki made such a difference for me. I’m confident they’ll do the same for my team.”

Whether you’re a visionary founder like Camila or a professional seeking new opportunities, Tukki ensures you have the support you need to succeed.

WE CAN HELP

Need more clarity?

Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts

How much documentation do I need to file a visa petition for an EB-1A or O-1A visa?

In US immigration processes, your claims must be more likely than not to be true. This means if something appears more true than false, USCIS should accept it as true. To meet this standard, the visa petitioner should provide documents that convincingly support the claim’s validity.

For instance, to prove you received VC funding, you could provide signed SAFE agreements with a VC, a published article about your funding round, and documentation about the relevance of the VC.

Keep in mind that theory and practice do not always perfectly align. It’s crucial you speak to an experienced legal team to avoid spending time and money on documentation that does not support your case.

Can my company sponsor me for an O-1A if I hold equity in it?

According to recent USCIS policy, yes. In general, the agency requires a legitimate employer-employee relationship, which typically involves the ability to “hire, pay, fire, supervise, or otherwise control the work” of the beneficiary.

Since this policy is new and USCIS has provided little guidance, it remains unclear how these requirements will be applied in the O-1 context.

Can the spouses of O-1 visa holders work?

No. Spouses of O-1 visa holders receive an O-3 visa, which allows them to live in the U.S. but not to work.

They can study, get a driver’s license, open a bank account, and travel in and out of the country freely, but employment is not permitted.

What are the typical questions in the O-1 consular interview?

Questions vary, but the most common is: “Tell me why you are extraordinary?” Be ready with a concise summary of your accomplishments.

This is the time to confidently highlight your achievements, not to be modest.

You should also be prepared to explain the details of your U.S. job—your duties, employer, compensation, and location.

How long does it take to get an O-1 visa approved?

With premium processing, most O-1 petitions are decided within 15 business days.

Without premium processing, a decision can take several months, depending on USCIS workload.

The preparation stage—collecting evidence, drafting recommendation letters, and organizing the petition—typically takes anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, depending on the applicant’s profile, the attorney’s approach, and how quickly supporting documents are provided.

Other blogs for every step of your visa journey

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