About to start O1A application - again.
#1
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 233
About to start O1A application - again.
Hi all,
I'm about to start an O1A application from almost afresh as the guy that originally got the ball rolling for me has decided that the 2020 was the last straw and has decided to throw the towel in. I didn't get all that far down the line, but far enough (in his opinion after several zoom meetings) to have a high chance of securing the visa. Without going into immense detail, it centres the application around the opening of a subsidiary company of the Spanish organisation that I currently work for. I intend to 'interview' several immigration lawyers next week.
The opening of the subsidiary has obviously been pushed back more than a few times over the last 12 months but we now feel confident that sometime around November this year, we'll be good to kick off. So with this in mind, i am wondering if engaging someone at this early stage is maybe a little premature?
From what i've read, applications are taking around 3-5 months to come back (without RFE) so on that basis, it might be too soon. Also, the clincher would be if there was a time limit from approval to landing. I can't find anywhere that indicates this is the case but i imagine that it's not indefinitely open ended - thinking worse case scenario if the pandemic has still not surrendered by this time.
Any input appreciated,
Thanks
I'm about to start an O1A application from almost afresh as the guy that originally got the ball rolling for me has decided that the 2020 was the last straw and has decided to throw the towel in. I didn't get all that far down the line, but far enough (in his opinion after several zoom meetings) to have a high chance of securing the visa. Without going into immense detail, it centres the application around the opening of a subsidiary company of the Spanish organisation that I currently work for. I intend to 'interview' several immigration lawyers next week.
The opening of the subsidiary has obviously been pushed back more than a few times over the last 12 months but we now feel confident that sometime around November this year, we'll be good to kick off. So with this in mind, i am wondering if engaging someone at this early stage is maybe a little premature?
From what i've read, applications are taking around 3-5 months to come back (without RFE) so on that basis, it might be too soon. Also, the clincher would be if there was a time limit from approval to landing. I can't find anywhere that indicates this is the case but i imagine that it's not indefinitely open ended - thinking worse case scenario if the pandemic has still not surrendered by this time.
Any input appreciated,
Thanks
#2
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: May 2010
Location: San Diego, California
Posts: 9,620
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
If I understand it correctly, from reading others responses to US immigration questions, there is at some point in the process the necessity to go for a medical - think this is just prior to the final interview. This medical report expires after 6 months. So you need to enter the US within that 6 month period.
If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will be along to correct the info....
If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will be along to correct the info....
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
My first thought is that it does no harm to involve a Lawyer now, there may be things that could be made more immigration friendly now with little issue.
#4
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
If I understand it correctly, from reading others responses to US immigration questions, there is at some point in the process the necessity to go for a medical - think this is just prior to the final interview. This medical report expires after 6 months. So you need to enter the US within that 6 month period.
If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will be along to correct the info....
If I'm wrong I'm sure someone will be along to correct the info....
Rene
#6
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
It's never too early to engage an attorney for this kind of petition (experienced attorneys, anyway) as they may have knowledge that will make the process smother. Timescales are pretty out of wack with COVID anyway, and you have 6 months to use the visa after it is approved, so it might not be that far off time to get the ball rolling.
#7
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 233
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
Thanks all,
Much of the documentation is already sorted so not quite launching from a standing start. I didn't realise that it was a definite 6 months from issuance to entry so, just in case the world has another speed bump regarding the pandemic that puts us back a couple/several months, i would say my window for applying is May to July.
Going back to the 6 months, is there anything on the USICS website that highlights this timeframe as i can't seem to find reference to it?
Thanks again,
Mic
Much of the documentation is already sorted so not quite launching from a standing start. I didn't realise that it was a definite 6 months from issuance to entry so, just in case the world has another speed bump regarding the pandemic that puts us back a couple/several months, i would say my window for applying is May to July.
Going back to the 6 months, is there anything on the USICS website that highlights this timeframe as i can't seem to find reference to it?
Thanks again,
Mic
#8
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
USCIS do not publish processing times for new applicants, there is some historical data.
#9
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Joined: May 2018
Posts: 233
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
#10
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
They are usually issued for an initial 3 year period.
#12
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
I Googled "O-1 visa how long do I have to enter the USA?"
Rene
#13
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 233
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
As i mentioned, i'm talking to several immigration lawyers in the next week or two and i'll raise the question. I'll post the answer,
Thanks again
#14
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,156
Re: About to start O1A application - again.
An O-1 is not like an immigrant visa, where you have a limited window to "activate" it.
Note: The above does not take into account any COVID travel restrictions. If you need to be granted some kind of exemption to travel, that will likely carry with it is some kind of validity window.
#15
DE-UK-NZ-IE-US... the TYP
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 2,848
Re: About to start O1A application - again.