What follows acceptance (or rejection)?
Upon completion of the application process, the USCIS should provide you the following documents:
- a statement in writing acknowledging receipt of your Form I-129
- a formal statement of their judgment in your case
You can always choose to reapply if the USCIS rejects your initial application. Or, with the assistance of your immigration lawyer, you could look into alternative visa types with broader qualifying requirements. Additionally, the USCIS may ask for additional documentation in some circumstances, in which case you may have to wait a little longer and provide new paperwork.
The following stage depends on the nation you presently reside in if they accept your application.
Change in status
If you are only seeking for an O-1 and are already in the country on another visa, all you need to do is submit an application for a change of status to O-1. Send the USCIS the completed Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. Cost of this form is $370.
Consular processing
The U.S. embassy or consulate in your country is where you must apply for a visa, however, if you are submitting an O-1 application from home.
By submitting Form DS-160, Online Visa Processing Form, to the Department of State website, the consular processing process is launched. Cost of this document is $190. Next, schedule a meeting with the embassy using the website. Bring your printed DS-160 and any pertinent papers to the interview.
How long does the typical application process last?
O-1 visa applications are typically processed by the USCIS in two to three months, which is a bit quicker than with other visa categories. The amount of activity at the center where you submitted your application will greatly affect how quickly it is processed.
You can apply for premium processing to hasten the application procedure. You can shorten the procedure to 15 calendar days for $1440. If the USCIS fails to process your application within the specified timeframe, they will reimburse your premium processing fee.
However, they are no longer required to complete processing your application within 15 days if they have already started processing it and have asked for additional evidence. If you are unsure of whether you qualify for premium processing, it is preferable to speak with an immigration attorney.