Background
Our client, a leading project management company, specializes in airfield and facility improvement projects for both commercial and general aviation airports throughout the United States. With deep expertise in airfield design, terminal and facility assessments, and hydraulic engineering, the firm has built a strong reputation for delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that enhance airport safety, efficiency, and growth. Their mission centers on empowering people and partners to build and modernize U.S. airports for future generations.
To strengthen their team, the company sought to hire Yousef, a highly skilled civil project engineer from Morocco. Fluent in four languages and equipped with significant experience in airport construction management across the Middle East, Yousef had also founded his own engineering startup where he managed maintenance services, budgeting, and market analysis.
In 2019, Yousef moved to the United States on an F-1 student visa to pursue higher education in engineering. As a student, he quickly distinguished himself by earning multiple awards, scholarships, and academic honors. Each semester, he received scholarships recognizing his excellence and went on to pursue graduate studies in another state. Alongside his coursework, Yousef completed several certifications in construction management, positioning himself as an exceptional professional in a highly competitive field.
Case
After completing his studies, Yousef earned a Florida Certified General Contractor License, demonstrating his compliance with the state’s strict regulatory and professional standards. This milestone reinforced his qualifications to work on major construction projects, including commercial and residential buildings that adhered to state codes and safety requirements.
Yousef also took the lead on aviation development projects in the southern U.S., managing complex initiatives such as crash-alert response systems and aviation-specific infrastructure upgrades. His contributions as a project manager showcased his leadership, technical acumen, and ability to deliver on safety-critical projects that directly benefited the aviation industry.
Recognizing his potential and determination to continue his professional journey in the United States, Yousef consulted with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link. After a detailed evaluation of his profile, the attorneys concluded that the O-1A visa—a category for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, business, or athletics—was the most suitable path. Although the idea of an O-1A visa for a construction professional might seem unconventional, the team at Green Card Link was confident they could build a strong case demonstrating his extraordinary expertise.
To qualify for an O-1A visa, applicants must meet at least three of eight criteria outlined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Yousef exceeded expectations by satisfying four:
- Membership in two professional organizations requiring outstanding achievement.
- Original scholarly and technical contributions in his field.
- Employment in a critical capacity for a distinguished organization.
- A record of high remuneration reflecting his exceptional skills.
Many might assume that a general contractor could not qualify for an extraordinary ability visa. However, the immigration attorneys at Green Card Link skillfully demonstrated that Yousef’s leadership in aviation-specific construction and crash-alert response systems met the O-1A standard. His projects were highly specialized, with few professionals in the U.S. capable of similar work.
The Green Card Link team compiled a comprehensive evidence portfolio, including recommendation letters, employment records, academic credentials, pay stubs, prior visas, awards, and industry recognitions. Rather than merely checking eligibility boxes, they strategically highlighted the extraordinary impact of Yousef’s work—successfully proving that a construction engineer could indeed meet the rigorous O-1A standards.
Verdict
In just 16 days, USCIS approved Yousef’s O-1A petition, granting him authorization to continue advancing innovation in aviation construction management across the United States.
How Green Card Link Helped
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys are committed to guiding professionals like Yousef through every stage of the immigration process. We provide tailored legal strategies, extensive documentation support, and expert representation to help applicants demonstrate their extraordinary abilities and achieve approval.
Whether you’re pursuing an O-1A visa, EB-2 National Interest Waiver, or another immigration pathway, the team at Green Card Link ensures that your case not only meets but exceeds USCIS expectations.
Contact Green Card Link today for a free assessment and take the first step toward building your future in the United States.