O1 visa to green card timeline reddit. She is not eligible for a waiver.

O1 visa to green card timeline reddit citizen (no overstay, was on H1B before), I wanted to provide a brief overview of my journey through the green card process in case it can help anyone going through a similar experience. I filed in Dec 2022, subsequently we were able to apply premium processing to the I-140 and received the approval notice early Feb, Feb 10, 2025 · H1B timeline to get the green card By Mag81 February 10 in Work Visas h1b perm Share Followers 1 Register to Reply or Ask a Question Go to first unread post Jul 18, 2025 · Wondering if you can apply for a Green Card while on an O-1 visa? While it is possible, it requires careful planning and consideration. L-1A Process Oct 10, 22 - I-129 with I-907 Premium Processing sent Fedexed to USCIS Texas SC. So you'll need to get an H1B visa if you want to stay. Free immigration calculator for EB and family-based visa categories. Yes I could retire in another country, but that defeats the purpose - My kid was born here, my friends are here, and my life is pretty much anchored in the U. May 19, 2025 · Switching from an O1 visa to a green card might sound like a daunting, paperwork-heavy task, but with the right guidance (and patience), it’s absolutely achievable. O-1 Extraordinary Ability or Achivement Visa USCIS processing times for O-1 Visa given for Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement Nov 17, 2025 · Discover how you, as a Canadian citizen with extraordinary ability, can apply for the O-1 Visa, enabling you to spend time working in the US. Would you recommend that we apply for a spouse-sponsored green card now or is it easier/better to secure a job and institutional sponsorship for a J1/H1B visa first and then apply for the green card when I'm already working in the US? Thanks in advance! I am excited to have received my EB Green Card this week! This sub was greatly helpful during my Green Card process. Mar 13, 2025 · But for many O-1 visa holders, that approval brings up the next big question — what’s the path to securing a green card? For those aiming to remain in the United States permanently, the EB-1A visa is often the natural next step. Nov 19, 2025 · Timeline: I‑140 for NIW often takes 6–12 months; AOS (I‑485) similar to EB‑1 timelines. After a lot of back and forth they promised to start process in Jan 2023. So 2. The whole green card process, from PERM application to green card approval, took about 27 months. We will do this shortly. Either you are still in limbo or stuck in the endless wait or just received what we all wish for, the elusive Greencard, this reddit space is for you. O-1 VISA, could anyone tell their experience (time, process with company. Perhaps I should have only applied for manager roles, as seems L1A to Green Card faster (some say ~1-year), whereas the process for L1B to GC seems very uncertain. May 05, 2023 / I-485 / Green Card was produced May 06, 2023 / I-485 / SSN received in mail May 10, 2023 / I-485 / Green Card received in mail Important things to note for K1 Medical Exam: With the K1 visa, you will not have a medical packet to send in with your AOS application due to it being handed in at customs when you come to the US. I am going to start my final semester, after which I graduate in May 2024 and plan to apply for an OPT (and also a STEM OPT extension afterwards). Here’s a summary of the key milestones: -Priority Date (PD):** 6/25/2023 I am currently on O1 visa, and I filed for EB1 visa & I-485 concurrently on 13 March 2024. 864 RFEs are sent very early in the process usually, so it is usually several months before anything else happens. When should I apply for a green card after O-1 visa approval? As long as you qualify, you can apply for a US green card anytime. This is good for one year from today. They said they would accept my case if my employer was willing to sponsor me for it. Usually you need to do an H-1B visa transfer if you're here on J-1 (which like another person said, you can only apply for in March). Jul 19, 2025 · Calculate your green card priority date and estimated waiting time. Learn about processing times, premium options, and next steps. Schedule a consultation today! Jun 24, 2025 · The O-1 visa is temporary, typically granted for an initial period of up to three years, with extensions in one-year increments. As well can I apply for counsellor processing as I work outside the United States on a project at present? Thanks in advance for your opinions and help! Did you already use your recapture time, or did you just max out your L1 visa time? If you have not claimed it yet, you can recapture all the time spent outside of the US to give you some breathing room. too often so we live apart, me in the US, him in France. any other visa? Oh - and am I right in saying you filed for your GC / i-140 in March or earlier? Thanks so much for your insight! Gah I want a GC so badly! A place to discuss US and Worldwide immigration news, politics, visas, green cards, raids, deportations, etc. My request for a green card petition has been put on hold until recently and our corporate attorney finally reached out to me a month ago. I am currently working with Porter for my NIW green card case and since this is the last year that I can take my chances for an H1B, I was wondering if I can qualify for an O1 visa so I discussed it with my lawyer. I know how confusing all the forms and steps can feel, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered. More: what is the O-1 Visa? The O-1 visa is one of the most difficult visas to obtain. 2,5 years time and 12000$ wasted. Wait for your priority date to become current (use the monthly Visa Bulletin). b. If you already did that, great, thank you! This subreddit is not affiliated with USCIS or the US government in any way. I am applying for Green card under EB1-C right now. We are in the process of adjusting all processing times for service center-related forms to now list “Service Center Operations (SCOPS). Transitioning from an O1 visa to an EB-1A visa involves showing your extraordinary ability or achievements in your field. We are both German citizens. Mar 27, 2025 · In order to go from O-1 visa to Green Card, you need to transition from a non-immigrant classification to an immigrant classification. I This site provides applicants the ability to see an estimate of the time to completion from submission of USCIS forms based on its adjudication location and subtype. We applied for and recently received approval for a hardship waiver which waives the 2 year home rule. By meeting certain requirements and submitting the necessary paperwork, O1 visa holders can transition to a Green Card, giving them long-term legal status in the country. etc). This does not mean that the O-1 visa requirements are any lesser/easy: the applicant needs to prove they are at the top of their field. I've been with my company for 2. My wife the same, on her own L1B. May 30th, 2023 A place to discuss US and Worldwide immigration news, politics, visas, green cards, raids, deportations, etc. I am on a L1B visa for 2. Please ensure you read the rules before posting or commenting. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. I'm posting the timeline below to give people some hope, since it seems USCIS are speeding up their processing times: 2022-02-28: Application mailed 2022-03-02: Case received 2022-03-18 Jul 21, 2025 · Many O-1 visa holders also file Form I-131, which gives you the ability to travel internationally. 5 years and O-1 visa later, it happened! EB1 ROW AoS with pre-approved I-140 10/19/2023 — I-140 submitted 10/26/2023… If your post is about biometrics, green cards, naturalization or timelines in general, and whether you're asking or sharing, please include your field office/location in your post. g. As of November 26, 2025, the registration date remains unannounced, leaving thousands of L1B to Green Card after 2 years? Hey friends, I get so many different pieces of information. The end of the story: when he finally realized that he had been deceived, he changed law firms, but the green card process had to be restarted. September 3, 2021: Card Was Picked Up By The United States Postal Service September 2, 2021: We mailed your new card your Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, directly to the address you gave us. Reddit actually helped me with situations and questions so I thought I would share our experience and timeline. Since this subreddit has been helpful in easing my anxiety during the green card process, I want to post my timeline here for… The O-1 visa could be considered the non-resident equivalent of the EB1-1 ( the “Extraordinary Ability Green Card,” which gives permanent residency). Now, our L1 extension is coming up. I wanted to share my green card timeline with y'all. She's on an O1 visa through work but she is worried she might lose her job or just might want to quit before getting her green card. My EB1 visa got approved on 10 April 2024. They took her original Green Card, as the SB-1 visa stamp replaces it, and said she will get a new Green Card in about 6 months. Alert USCIS processing times for certain form types may no longer reference a specific service center location (for example, Vermont Service Center). In summary: – One month from L-1A application to visa foil in passport – Three months from Green Card application submission to card in hand – The entire process from nothing to Green Card Holder took seven months. I completed the requirements for that by working in a medically underserved area for 3 years after which I got my green card in 2022. L-1A Visa to EB-1C H-1B non-immigrant visa holders in the United States. Location: Paris Total time of process: 19 months My husband has a canceled tourist visa due to traveling to the U. Get ready to supercharge your career growth in the USA. Please I need help transitioning from the O1 visa to a green card option. Mar 20, 2024 · All told, the O-1 visa to green card processing time should take about one year without premium processing. c. 46 votes, 40 comments. The only way to get a permanent resident card is either the lottery or to find a US company willing to spend a lot of money and time to get you a green card. And that's why I'm thinking about the EB-5 investment visa. Learn more with insights from experienced immigration attorneys. Jun 3, 2025 · Learn how to change status from an F-1 to O-1 visa, including requirements, timeline, cost, and application process. If your post is about biometrics, green cards, naturalization or timelines in general, and whether you're asking or sharing, please include your field office/location in your post. ” Service Center Operations has expanded its capability to process casework at multiple locations, at Many of us are dreaming of a future in the USA. They promised to take care of my working status in US and assured me I have enough time when i was concerned about the green card application timeline in July 2022. We now want to start her green card process. Make sure to use premium processing for the I-140. Rather, I hope that my experience can offer some hope and encouragement to those who are going through a similar process. You could be approve in less than 15 days. I hope someone can help me or point me somewhere. Apr 24, 2023 · US Immigration, Citizenship and Visas - L1A to Green Card timeline - HI folks Wondering if any of you have recent experience of going from L1A to Green Card and could share your timeline. Any from a scientist, engineer background? A couple of days ago, my husband and I received the best news that my green card was approved! If you have any questions, please let me know! Here is our timeline: January 11th, 2023: We got married! April 28th, 2023: We sent the application (I-130, I-131, I-485, I-693, I-765) to USCIS through UPS (used Simple Citizen). I believe they have withdrew the application after the termination) When did you enter the US and on what visa? I apologize in advance if this question has already been answered before. Jul 18, 2025 · Converting an O1 Visa to a Green Card is a process that allows individuals with extraordinary abilities in fields like arts, athletics, or science to obtain permanent residency in the United States. Strengthens green card pathway You can use an O-1 as a "strategic placeholder" to stay in the U. She stayed on her J1 till 2023 when she transferred to an O1 visa. 5 years now. My PD is current. Backlog risk: For applicants from high-demand countries (e. (Form I-485) or apply for an immigrant visa abroad (Form DS-260). His esta was canceled in Oct 2021 while we were dating. During those 27 months I went through: government shutdown in January 2019 (it slowed down PERM application as Department of Labor is a government funded agency), visa retrogression in 2019, and COVID 19 pandemic last year with my interview being Apr 1, 2025 · Get accurate green card processing times based on current USCIS data, visa bulletin wait periods, and your category and country of origin. Important article: A Comprehensive Guide to O-1 Visa: Categories, Qualification & Processing Timeline 5. Dec 11, 2023 · Learn about the timeline for transitioning from an H1B visa to a green card and the steps involved in the process. Understand the typical timeline for an O1 visa from petition filing to approval. May 2nd, 2023: Package arrived at the USCIS Chicago Office. This happens on an H1B visa that is sponsored by the hiring organization (exempt from lottery). H-1B Visa: This visa is for specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor’s degree. How soon can I travel after submitting the application? The green card wait time is > 100 years for Indian born with priority date after 2015 (like me). legally while building up your EB-1A petition, especially useful after an H-1B layoff or cap-out. Our O1 Green Card immigration attorneys in Miami, Fl, provide you with the support you need to make your residence in the US end up being permanent. What is the realistic timeline to expect for the entire process? Should I go for premium processing? Not as concerned about money. A lot of people stay in postdocs until they can manage to get green card sponsorship, honestly it's how most J-1s I've seen have been able to get industry jobs eventually. Oct 6, 2025 · When deciding between O-1 Visa vs EB-1 Green Card, it pays to be educated about your options. If you already did that, great, thank you! If you haven't done that, your post may be removed without notice. If you already did that, great, thank you! Now that I’m (finally) in the US and getting settled, I thought it was time to share my full timeline. In Jan 2023, they let me know that they won't do it. State Department has delayed DV-2027 Green Card Lottery registration beyond its traditional October start date and introduced a historic $1 entry fee for the first time in the program's 30-year history. A place to discuss US and Worldwide immigration news, politics, visas, green cards, raids, deportations, etc. If you already did that, great, thank you! The J-1 visa holder is subject to INA 212 (e), meaning she needs to return to her home country to fulfill her 2-year home residency requirement. Any advice. I can’t tell you if you’ll get everything before next summer, but some things to consider speeding up the process. Option 2: We get legally married in the US as soon as possible, file for the green card, and then travel for our main wedding ceremony in India in February 2025. The EB-1A visa, part of the employment-based first preference (EB-1) category, is an immigrant visa that leads to a green card. Overall, my green card timeline lasted a little over two months. But for given that you're from India, there won't be enough time for you to get a green card approved before your L1A visa runs out in 7 years, assuming you get the L1A approved. Currently on my third O-1 thinking of self petitioning for my green card but nervous to with the current administration as I have heard lots of conflicting information on the difficulty in the current times. However, there are quite a few things to consider before applying. F1 Visa to Marriage-Based Green Card Timeline and Approach Hello, I'm a 33-year-old international graduate student on an F1 visa which expires in May 2027. The 60 days is only to acknowledge the receipt of the RFE, not take action on the application. Some from my company will go from L1B to the H1B lottery - but this is not a guaranteed path and seems even with H1B path to GC is unclear. It is important to understand the requirements and processes associated with obtaining a Green Card to ensure a smooth transition from an O-1 visa to permanent residency in the United States. , India, China), visa backlogs might stretch waiting times to 5+ years. 5 years, and they helped with my O-1 petition around 2 years ago. If your post is about biometrics, green cards, naturalization or timelines in general, please include your field office/location in your post. Should I aim for EAD and AP (now that USCIS is giving 5 yrs) while the Final action dates move? Will that help in changing jobs sooner (currently on L1)? My Questions and answers about F-1 visas and F-1 status in the U. , Form I-140 for employment-based categories or I-130 for family-based) and then either adjust status in the U. This has some limits and I have been the only one taking care of family for a year now as my wife can't work and my son doesn't have SSN so no benefits of any sorts for him. Nov 13, 2024 · Transitioning from an O1 visa to a Green Card involves navigating complex steps, including eligibility verification and application processes. And make sure to keep It will take 5 years to get the green card from the moment you get H-1B visa and at that point you can apply for the green card through your employer, which is less paperwork but takes longer or have your spouse (if you marry an American) sponsor you for green card, which is quicker, much more paperwork, and possible interview with USCIS. I just came back from the USCIS office in LA and they just approved my card on the spot! It should arrive in 2-8 weeks. Have you applied green card before (Yes, I have through my previous employer. I am sharing here a timeline of the full process to provide people with cases similar to mine an approximate guide as to what to expect! Early Days 2011: Arrived in the US for college 2015: Graduated 2015: Started working full time under OPT 2016: First H1B attempt 2016: OPT If your post is about biometrics, green cards, naturalization or timelines in general, and whether you're asking or sharing, please include your field office/location in your post. I know that my timeline is unusually fast, but I want to emphasize that I am not sharing this to brag. The most common are H-1B, O-1, and the STEM OPT extension. S. Hi folks, Very helpful insights on this forum. They recommended to get a re-entry permit for any longer term travel plans. I’m so happy to share that I received my green card in the mail today!! 🎉🇺🇸 As an Indian citizen married to a U. Just wanted to share my experience with the O1 visa because during the process I kept coming back to Reddit for reassurance and to know what to expect, so hoping this helps someone! To switch from an O-1 visa to a green card, you must file an immigrant petition (e. This blog explains the requirements, timelines, and potential challenges to help you understand the journey to permanent residency in the U. There is no timeline, and they do not respond to RFEs. But the employment-based green card did not go through because I was terminated after they submitted the PERM since my Work Visa expired then. In this article, we’ll clarify the timelines, delve into the key influencing factors, and offer insights to help prospective green card applicants set realistic expectations. /r/immigration is protesting Reddit's API changes. Aug 21, 2025 · Learn where to find, and how to decipher, USCIS processing times for common immigration documents with this helpful guide. CBP said if we don't get the GC in 6 months we should call USCIS. Here is what I understand: a. It requires employer sponsorship and is subject to an annual Has anyone recently successfully undergone the Canadian TN to Green card process? Can you please shed some light on your timeline and any issues that arise along the way? I'm getting mixed opinions and misconceptions from what I've read online about this route. Jun 20, 2025 · Yes, you can go from an O-1 visa to an EB-1A Green Card, but timing, eligibility, and strategy matter. And did you also get told that to get the Green Card should take longer than this too? Assuming you did this from the O1 too vs. In order to be considered eligible, you must fall into one of the following categories: I've been on OPT (with STEM extension) in the past and I'm now in my final year of O-1 visa. My questions are: - Does anyone have a recent estimate of duration of the process if I pay 76 votes, 111 comments. It is intended for individuals with extraordinary ability in the same fields as the O-1 visa. If your post has to do with something covered in the FAQ, we may remove your post. My husband's green card was recently approved. Oct 8, 2025 · Here are the steps when you aim to go from O1 visa to green card: Pick your green card path (EB-1A, EB-1B, EB-2 NIW, or EB-3) based on what you qualify for. My lawyer and I also filed for EAD & travel document. Transitioning Through Work Visas (H-1B, O-1, STEM OPT Extension) Many F-1 students pursue work visas as stepping stones to permanent residency. We are a HEAVILY moderated subreddit. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident enough to navigate this process like a pro! I am on an O1 visa for 4 years now and I finally just received my approval notice for my J1 home residency waiver. Learn more on this page. My timeline for I-130 & I-485, AOS from F1 Visa. You could be eligible for an US O-1 work visa or even the Extraordinary Green Card. I can't believe how fast the process was for me compared to most posts I've seen here. After they get it, they just keep processing your case from where it left off. So our question is, what do we do and where to begin. . If you already did that, great, thank you! Employer did a classic case of bait and switch. -I'm concerned about Option 2 because I'm unsure about the green card processing timeline and how it might affect our plans. I don't have any formal postdoc offers yet though, but I'm really determined to secure one soon. Green card in hand! Here's my complete timeline going from no status -> TN visa -> H1B -> Permanent Resident in just under 3 years (1069 days). It’s also known as the green card for individuals of extraordinary ability, which makes it a close cousin to the O-1. Consequently, I am planning to self-petition for an adjustment of status (I-485) to get a green card through the EB-1 way (my employer is the government and they do not sponsor Green Cards). I'm so happy, I didn't expect it to go so fast! My K1 visa took a really long time, so I'm so excited to get this quickly! K1 timeline: -February 2022, filed for i-129f (k1) -April 2023, approved i-129f -July 2023, NVC forwarded case to embassy (Ljubljana, Slovenia) -October 2023, K1 interview, approved on the spot, got visa 10 days later, entry 20 days later December 2023, wedding, applied May 21, 2025 · Learn about O-1 visa processing time, the full timeline to get an O-1 visa, and what factors can slow down or speed up your application. Sep 22, 2023 · With hopes and dreams hinging on timelines, understanding the intricacies of green card processing times is crucial. Options for the waiver jobs are Conrad30 (more competitive) and National Interest Waiver. After finishing residency and/or fellowships, IMGs usually do a waiver job in underserved areas. Apologies in advance for how long this will be! June 7, 2021: I-129F Noa1 July 27, 2022: I-129F Noa2 September 12, 2022: NVC confirmed receipt of file October 11, 2022: In transit notice October 27, 2022: CEAC status updated to ‘Ready’, P3 received & P4 mailed November 3, 2022: Medical If your post is about biometrics, green cards, naturalization or timelines in general, please include your field office/location in your post. Green Card Self-Kit (EB-1A, EB-1B, O-1) Our comprehensive self-kit guides provide step-by-step instructions and insights for navigating the EB-1A, EB-1B, and O-1 visa processes. Feb 4, 2025 · 5 Paths from F-1 Visa to Green Card 1. This subreddit is an information hub for everything related to green cards, working in the states and visa. On 17 April, I recieved a notice that my I-485 application has been transferred to National Benefits Center at Lee's Summit. The lack of notice from Reddit, exorbitant pricing and terrible official apps are unacceptable. Submit Form I-140 (Immigrant Petition) under the chosen category. She is not eligible for a waiver. The 2 days ago · Green Card Lottery 2027 Delayed: New $1 Fee & Registration Timeline Update (November 2025) The U. wgc frgokro clxjov fiqfgxbi zxxsrpw phgzx buatzaa rzfyr xols ibvqfpj vmxzas yyjz hhzr azyc glrpw