If you qualify as a foreign worker with extraordinary achievements, then there’s a good chance you want to know everything there is to know about your prestigious visa including how long it will take. While the official O-1 visa processing time is relatively short, there are some other things to take into consideration when planning out the timeline.
What is the O-1 Visa Processing Time?
The most recent processing time for an O-1 visa (Form I-129) is 13 months, according to the latest USCIS data.
For beneficiaries living abroad, it’s important to also factor in the timeframes for booking and attending the interview. The Department of State lists appointment wait times for all consulates and embassies.
The following is the breakdown and the estimated processing time for each stage of the O-1 visa application:
I-129 Petition Filing and Processing
The Form I-129 takes 13 months to process according to USCIS data. With premium processing, this is reduced to 15 business days for a fee of $2,965. For both the employer and beneficiary, the advantages premium processing for planning and logistics is worth the cost.
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Consular Processing and Appointment
For those living abroad, once the I-129 form is approved, you must fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, pay the required visa fee, and then schedule an appointment at your local embassy/consulate.
Generally, you can schedule an appointment anywhere between 2 and 3 weeks. However, the estimated time to book an appointment varies across different embassies or consulates.
Attend Your Visa Interview
The whole interview process could take anywhere from 1 – 2 hours, which includes waiting at the embassy and the interview itself. Ensure that you attend the visa interview as scheduled and answer the questions truthfully and correctly.
While there are several steps leading to the visa interview, which is the last stage of the application, the interview itself can take as little as 20 minutes.
After the visa interview, you will most likely receive a decision on your application. If the embassy grants you a visa, you can begin your travel plans and enter the United States to start working for your employer.
What Is The O-1 Extension Processing Time?
The O-1 visa renewal processing time should take about as much time as your original visa (13 months) and can be expedited through premium processing.
O-1 visas are initially granted for an initial period of three years. After that, you will need to get an extension on your visa in intervals of one year each. Fortunately, there is no limit to the number of extensions you can receive. An O-1 visa renewal or extension can be obtained by fulfilling these requirements:
- You must not have violated your visa conditions or been convicted of a crime.
- You must also have a passport that will remain valid throughout your stay in the U.S.
- The USCIS will require a statement from your employer that lays out the reasons for the extension and why it is necessary for you to complete your goal in the U.S.
- You will need to bring your I-94 form with a departure date that has not yet passed as well as a new I-129 petition for your extension.
It is important to remember that just because your original O-1 visa was granted, this does not mean that your renewal or extension will be approved.
When Can I Apply for an O-1 Visa Extension?
Our attorneys advise applying for your O-1 visa extension as early as possible. While the USCIS recommends at least 45 days before the expiration of your authorized stay, you can apply for an O-1 visa extension up to 6 months prior to the expiration.
Early application helps prevent any issues in the case of an unexpected RFE or status issue.
If your application is approved, the USCIS will send an I-797A (Approval Notice). Attached to the bottom of this notice is a physical, paper Form I-94 showing your new extended expiration date.
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