The maximum time allowed on both the USA O1A and O1B visas is 3 years. The visa can then be extended for a year at a time. If you submit a [Change of Sponsor] it is possible to be granted for another full 3 years. At any time a concurrent O visa can be submitted, also, can be approved for the full 3 years.
To get the full time allowed on the O-1 visa it is generally petitioner dependent – your sponsor has control over how long your contract with them will be.
Business O1A Visas are usually for 3 years as they most often own the company that is listed as their sponsor. Educator O1A Visas often are contracted on a probationary contract for the full 3 years. Scientists usually have contracts for the full three years too, from a pharmaceutical company or university etc. Athletes and Arts / Motion Picture and Television visas can be shorter term.
O1A Athletes can often only be hired on single contract visas for sporting seasons.
O1B Artists, too, can be hired on single contract visas for single music tours, film or television projects.
Your choice of Sponsor matters.
To get the maximum valid time on a visa consider what pre and post work you need to do. Also, it is important that you consider if your Sponsor is right for you. Read here.
Your [Itinerary] is also important. If you are submitting under a manager or agent Sponsor your Itinerary should not have long gaps between contracts. [Read here.]
After you [attend the Interview at the Consulate or Embassy] they insert your O visa in your Passport. They can choose how long your visa will be so ensure to have your contract with you and the Deal Memos (if you have them). You must check your visa for the correct spelling of your name and the date it is valid for.
[Entry into America at Custom and Border Patrol] when processing your I-94 can also determine how long your visa will be valid for. Check it before you leave the entry area.Be careful to not overstay your visa. Check the i-94 date and you O visa end date to be certain.
If you need to find current Processing Times find them here.
As you can see there are many issues to consider when you are considering time on the O visa.
Is O-1 visa permanent?
No. It is a non-immigrant visa that must be renewed.
How many times can you renew O-1 visa?
You can renew as many times as you wish. With the same sponsor you are permitted to extend for a year at a time.
How long can an O-1 visa extended?
You can extend for a year at a time with the same sponsor. If you choose to [Change Sponsor] you can submit a request for a 3 year extension.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!