Published by Mei in O1 Visa | Updated 2024
Processing times can vary for the Extraordinary Ability or Achievement O-1 Visa. O1A and O1B typically was 2 weeks to 3.5 months before the pandemic. You have the option to use Premium Processing to get an answer in 15 days. In 2023, the ordinary processing time for an O-1A visa (individuals with extraordinary ability) is 4-6 months, while the processing time for an O-1B visa (individuals with extraordinary achievement) currently 2-3 months(2024).
It is important to note that using premium processing does not guarantee that your application will be approved. In fact, statistically, applications that use premium processing are more likely to receive requests for additional evidence (RFEs) or be denied. This is more prevalant in EB1 Green Card applications however.
Consider choosing premium processing if you are confident that your application is strong and complete. Understand most O visa holders use premium processing because it can save them time and hassle. Here at extraordinaryvisa.com we all used PP with no issues. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making a decision.
Note that if you are waiting an inordinate amount of time for your visa approval you can always transfer your application to Premium Processing. (Also see below.) There can be many reasons for long wait times; other than the pandemic backlog, the most common being mistakes made by applicants. In your petition letter and forms ensure you have every ‘t’ crossed and ‘i’ dotted. Double check forms, check your signatures – check out our Rejection reasons.
Before you cough up the extra cash for Premium Processing check out your case status first.
Then look at current and historical processing times. These can be found on the USCIS website here https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Where did I file at the Nebraska or Texas Service Center? Where will I file?
Check out the USCIS.gov website and select the Form I-129 – this is the O1B and O1A USCIS application form. Click on USCIS information. Open “Where to file”. These are the addresses you were offered when you filed your form or will send to when you are ready.
Check out averages case processing times per year – historic figures. As the USCIS work through the pandemic backlog we believe the timelines will get shorter and shorter.
TIMELINE
Preparing your application can take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month
Things to do include:
Read our information. Research your criteria, gather your evidence and message people to ask for Recommendation Letters. This should take 2 weeks. Writing your letter can take longer. Hire an attorney or use an online guide and use their template to speed this along.
When you have filed, if you used Premium Processing you will have your answer within 15 days – we have found that most O visa holders received their response within 3 days (we all did LOL!). Ordinary processing can take as long as 3 months – 6 months in some cases (2023-2024)!
Waiting an inordinate amount of time?
At any point while waiting you can ‘upgrade’ to Premium Processing to speed things along.
You can also ask a US citizen of repute to request they expedite your application eg. US Senators, members of the House of Representatives,
members of the President’s cabinet, former government officials, business leaders well-respected in their field, community leaders who are active in their community and are well-respected can also write letters.
It is important to note that there is no guarantee that USCIS will expedite your visa application simply because you have a letter from a US citizen of repute. However, having a letter from a respected individual can help to show USCIS that your case is important and that you deserve expedited processing.
From I-129 approval it can take a week to organize your [Consulate/Embassy] meeting.
Add another week for your passport to arrive with your visa inserted. (It’s wise not to book your flight until your passport is back in your hands.)
There are many steps to getting your O visa. Hope this helps you on your visa journey!
FAQ
How many pages are O-1 petition letters?
If you qualify under the “One Time Award” your petition letter should be around 5 pages. If you are satisfying more than 3 criteria, for the experience of artists using our guides the petition letter average page length is 12 – 22.
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!