FAQ

DIY Kit

What’s included in the Full DIY Kit?
Step-by-step guides, professional templates (letters, deal memos, cover pages), and a spreadsheet for organizing your evidence. Everything you need to plan and assemble your O-1 application.

What’s the difference between the Full Package and Templates Only?

The Full Package includes guides, instructions, and the spreadsheet. Templates Only provides just the templates and spreadsheet for those who already understand the process.

How and in what format are the DIY kit files delivered?
All files are delivered automatically via email through Wix’s secure digital product system immediately after payment.

Guides = downloadable PDFs.

Templates = downloadable, editable Word documents.

Evidence Summary Chart = Link to Google Sheets spreadsheet you can copy and edit in your own Google Sheets.

Can I share these files with others?

No, the kit is licensed for personal use only. Sharing violates copyright and licensing.

Can I get help if I don’t understand something?

Yes, Full Package buyers can email for zero-cost clarifications on kit usage. Personalized consulting services are available separately.

Services

Do you offer single consultations without a package?
Yes. You can book a one-off 60-minute consultation without committing to a full package.

Do you offer free services?

Yes, you can reach out for a free 30-minute consultation.

Can I upgrade from Basic to Medium or Maximum later?

Yes. If you decide you’d like more support, you can apply what you’ve already paid toward a higher-tier package.

Do you draft legal letters or fill out government forms for me?

No. Portico is an educational and organizational service, not a law firm. I provide guidance, templates, document organization, and proofreading support - but all substantive content comes from you. I don't write recommendation letters, draft legal arguments, fill out government forms, or represent you before USCIS. For legal advice and official representation, you'll need an immigration attorney.

General

How is Portico different from working with an immigration lawyer?
The O visa process can seem intimidating at first. I've been there. But it doesn't have to be. And I am proof that you don't need a lawyer to get approved.

My services are focused on being more affordable and offering faster, more direct communication. I also provide organizational tools and strategies lawyers typically don’t so that you can keep your peace of mind throughout the process and feel empowered about the preparation process and visual presentation of your case.

Lawyers can be essential in some complicated cases and can help you inquire more aggressively if anything goes awry. For highly complex or high-risk cases, I am happy to refer clients to trusted attorneys at any point in the process.

What's it like working with Portico's Basic, Medium, and Maximum Support service tiers?
All three tiers are built around the same core principle: this is a collaborative process, not a hand-off. You bring the knowledge of your own achievements, career, and evidence - nobody knows your story better than you do, and that's actually your biggest asset in building a strong petition.

What changes across the tiers is how much organizational and structural support surrounds that process:

In Basic Support, you're doing most of the work yourself with structured guidance, templates, and a knowledgeable sounding board to keep you on track.
In Medium Support, I take on the organizational heavy lifting - compiling, structuring, and formatting your materials into USCIS-ready format while you focus on gathering evidence and writing your content.
In Maximum Support, you hand over raw materials and I handle everything around them: organizing, cross-referencing, research, and coordination - while you remain responsible for all substantive content.

Across all tiers, it's worth being clear about what Portico isn't: I am not an immigration attorney and do not provide legal advice. All strategic and legal decisions remain yours. For formal legal representation and official filing, consider working with a licensed immigration attorney. I am happy to refer to you to one.

Do you guarantee approval?
No. USCIS approval depends on your qualifications and evidence. My role is to help you prepare the strongest possible case and help present it in the clearest, most organized way possible.

Do I need a lawyer to get an O-1 visa?

No - there's no legal requirement to use an immigration attorney for an O-1 petition, and plenty of people have successfully filed without legal representation. I am one of them - I filed all three of my O-1 petitions by myself and got approved all three times.

That said, an attorney can be valuable depending on your situation. If your case is straightforward and your evidence is strong, a well-organized self-prepared petition can absolutely get approved. If your case is complex, you're navigating unusual circumstances, or want the peace of mind of official legal representation, having an attorney involved adds a layer of legal expertise and accountability that's worth considering.

Portico exists in the middle of that spectrum: structured guidance and organizational support for people who want more than pure DIY but aren't necessarily looking for full legal representation.