Duration of the O-1 Visa
by Admin
Posted on 12-10-2023 10:38 AM
An employer is generally a company for which you will be providing services.
The o-1 visa holder’s spouse and child or children under the age of 21 may apply for o-3 visa to accompany the o-1 visa holder or join later. The duration of o-3 visa status depends on the duration of o-1 visa. The o-3 visa holder is not permitted to be employed but may engage in educational activities such as attending school or classes provided that such activities do not include any paid employment.
The uscis normally processes o-1 visa petitions within two to three months. This duration is relatively faster than with other visa categories, which can last for a year. The processing time largely depends on the business of the center where you filed your petition. If you want to expedite your application process, apply for premium processing which can bring down the processing time to 15 calendar days. The uscis will refund your payment for premium processing if they fail to process it within the agreed period.
Duration – an o-1 visa is valid for 3 years, or the duration of the event, production, or activity for which admitted (whichever is shorter). Extensions – available in unlimited 1-year increments. Must continue with same position or activity for which you were granted o-1 visa.
5. HIO submits O-1 petition to USCIS; USCIS makes decision within 15 calendar days (premium processing) or several months (regular processing)
Form i-129 should be filed at least 45 days before the date of employment, but no earlier than 1 year prior to the start of employment in the us. The standard processing time for a petition to be approved or denied is typically 2-3 months, although processing times may vary depending on the post where the petition is being adjudicated and the level of caseload and other factors such as services restrictions due to the pandemic or us immigration policy. Premium processing may also be available for an additional fee of $2,500.
Uscis should then make a decision on the petition within around 15 calendar days.
It takes uscis 3-4 months to process i-129 petitions, which is relatively short for visa approvals, but by paying an additional uscis premium processing fee you can secure a decision within 15 calendar days. Once the i-129 petitions are approved by uscis, o-1 and o-2 applicants can apply for their visas at a u. S. Embassy or consulate, if they are currently residing outside the u. S. There will be several forms and fees that each applicant must address before receiving their visas. The o-1 visa approval rate is high—around 70-85%.
If you change status to o1 within the u. S. , your status will automatically change to o1 as of the “valid from” date printed on your i-129 approval notice. But if you go through consular processing, then after your i-129 petition approval, you need to schedule an interview at a u. S. Consulate abroad, complete the interview, receive your o1 visa, and enter the united states with that o1 visa to activate your o1 status. You may be subject to administrative processing during your o1 consular processing at the consulate, and if your case is placed into administrative processing after the interview, this will delay the issuance of your o1 visa.