Lilly77

Hi everyone, not been on here for a while. I've been living in Santa monica CA for nearly a year and entered on my husbands o1 visa- I had an o3. Well after 9 months of working like a crazed woman on my own o1 visa application (and 6 weeks of waiting, regular processing!) I finally got approval this week .....YIPEE!!!! Can't even begin to describe my relief & happiness.
So my question is- my lawyer says my status automatically changes from o3 to o1 since I am already living in the U.S... She says I can work once I receive my SSN but I don't have to leave the country. When I do leave though, I have to visit the U.S. embassy abroad to have my interview and get my visa stamped in my passport to re-enter the the U.S. She advised not to travel now as there's a massive backlog at immigration re issuing visas, so I may be stuck abroad for weeks. Has anyone had any trouble with visa issuing lately? Also I thought the interview at the embassy was step 2 of getting approval to work?? I'm not questioning my lawyer (well, I am!) but does this sound right??

Eric S

Info about the visa backlog here

AdobePinon

A visa is only to get you into the country.

Steve_

As soon as you get the I-797 that's it, you're in that status. There's been a major issue with the State Dept. IT system so I wouldn't bother trying to get the visa, it doesn't really matter unless you're travelling abroad.

md95065

Which is why the OP will need one if she leaves the U.S. and wants to return ...

Lilly77

Thanks all for the info...! Now I can start working...!