The road to $1M in Buffalo
5 mins read | Oct 20, 2025
HOW THE EPITOME OF DESIRABLE IMMIGRATION SECURED HIS EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY VISA.
Contributor
Tukki
Reading time
4 mins read
Date published
Nov 28, 2024
Javier Méndez is a visionary strategist and business leader whose work has had profound impact, particularly in Colombia. His contributions in the public sector have been influential, he worked closely with the Colombian government and the Ministry of Finance during critical moments in recent history. However, Javier didn’t see it that way himself, until he applied to MIT and was accepted to an MBA program.
Today, the epitome of desirable immigration, Javier holds an EB-1A which will allow him to remain in Miami—the US government’s designated CleanTech hub—and expand his work with renewable energy sources through entrepreneurship. Here’s how he secured his extraordinary ability visa.
Sometimes, our own extraordinary abilities are less clear to us than to others. This was the case for Javier, but Tukki’s US immigration lawyers could see the potential for a successful visa application before the process started.
For context, Javier has deep expertise managing a portfolio of significant assets, developing business strategies, and developing sustainable solutions particularly in the energy sector. Understandably, his sights were set on a visa process that matched his drive for impact.
For his journey, he chose Tukki, and for his visa, the EB-1A.
Javier’s reasons for choosing the EB-1A visa
The US immigration process is one of the more daunting systems that professionals might face during their career. Mergers, layoffs, and buy-outs can pale in comparison to the complexities of apply for an extraordinary ability visa in the US. It requires meticulous attention to detail, as well as timely responses from specialist US immigration lawyers to ensure the applicants unique qualifications will be highlighted.
Javier specifically needed to compile documentation that captured the breadth of his impact, from his economic policies to his technical expertise in energy management. Given the stakes, he needed an immigration partner he could trust to keep things on track, and the team+tech he chose was Tukki.
The premium technology and service model resonated with Javier. As a high-stakes application and a driven applicant, he benefited from the level of transparency Tukki could provide. "The technology was super useful, especially for tracking each document and requirement—it made everything easier to follow and ensured I didn’t miss any steps." Javier appreciated the platform’s simplicity and clarity, which helped him stay aware of each milestone in the process and what would be required next.
Beyond the tech, Javier praised Tukki’s support team. “The process was super fast. Any time I needed support or had a concern, there was always someone to talk to,” Javier shared, reflecting on the sense of security he felt throughout the application journey.
With Tukki’s help, Javier was able to manage the EB-1A visa application process efficiently, ensuring that no document, piece of evidence, or expert letter fell through the cracks. "It’s impressive how easy it was to track progress and know exactly what was needed next—Tukki kept everything organized and moving forward."
Tukki’s system is designed for accountability and traceability. This not only ensures that every aspect of a case is well documented, it helps petitioners feel supported.
When Javier’s visa was approved in eight days with premium processing, he shared just how meaningful this achievement was to him. “I thought receiving the visa approval would feel as good as getting into MIT. But receiving my EB-1A felt like 10x that happiness level!”
Today, with his extraordinary ability visa secured, Javier is fully immersed in Florida's business ecosystem, where he has access to numerous opportunities and strategic partnerships.
With a career marked by his roles as a portfolio manager, strategist, and advisor to companies undergoing turnaround, he brings a unique set of skills to the table. His expertise in optimizing business operations and restructuring organizations now enables him to apply his strategic insight and experience to one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving markets in the world.
Tukki’s seamless technology, hands-on support, and adaptability is the perfect match for dynamic, accomplished leaders looking for a premium immigration experience.
WE CAN HELP
Need more clarity?
Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts
Can I hold two different visas at the same time?
One can have multiple visas stamped in their passport but cannot have multiple statuses while in the US. You can only be in one nonimmigrant status at a time. However, you may switch between statuses if petitions are timely filed.
Do I need to maintain valid status while applying for a green card?
Yes. Unless you are protected by certain exceptions, you generally must remain in valid status until your green card application is filed.
Falling out of status before filing can make the process more complicated or even impossible.
Is it the same to do a change of status within the U.S. vs getting a visa abroad?
Not exactly. You can enter the U.S. in one status (e.g., tourist visa) and then request a change of status to another (e.g., O-1A). However:
1. This only changes your status inside the U.S.
2. If you leave the country, you’ll need to visit a U.S. consulate abroad to obtain a visa stamp before reentering.
3. At that consular interview, officers may question your initial intent at the time of entry.
While changing status avoids an immediate trip abroad, we generally recommend consular processing from the start to avoid complications later. However, there are certain situations in which a change of status could be the best solution.
Can I switch employers while on an O-1 visa?
Yes. You can change employers, but in most cases the new employer must file a new petition before you can begin working with them.
The only exception is for O-1B visas filed through a U.S. agent—in those cases, you may switch or add employers without needing to file a new petition.
Do I need a U.S. job offer to apply for an O-1 visa?
Yes. You must have either a U.S. employer or a U.S. agent who files the petition on your behalf.
You cannot self-petition for the O-1. Technically, you can work for a foreign company, but the petition still needs to be filed through a U.S. agent acting as your sponsor.
Other blogs for every step of your visa journey