r/O1VisasEB1Greencards

Hi all,

For the past few months I’ve been a regularly checking this sub for updates and timelines so I thought I would share mine if it helps someone.

Field: architecture and graphic design

Sent with Premium Processing

June 26th: package sent to USCIS via FedEx
June 29th: USCIS receipt notice (Vermont Service Center)
July 21st: RFE was issued (last day of the PP window)
September 11th: RFE response sent via FedEx
September 15th: RFE package delivered to USCIS
September 21st: “RFE response received” notification on portal
October 3rd: Portal status changed to “USCIS is Processing the Case”
October 5th: Case approved!

RFE Content:

First feeling after reading the RFE was bad and it sounded scary. But reading it again made me realize it is not that bad and getting an RFE is good because now you know exactly what they are looking for. Below is a summary of what was met/asked in regards to the criteria:

1. Lead or Starring Participant in Distinguished Productions or Events: they accepted that I was associated with productions or events that had distinguished reputation but they could not determine critical role. They specifically mentioned that they don’t consider testimonial letters as evidence for this criterion.

2. Lead, Starring, or Critical Role for Distinguished Organizations and Establishments: they acknowledged that I met the past component of the criterion; wanted more documentation on future.

3. Significant Recognition: met this requirement.

4. National or International Recognition: we submitted articles about me in smaller/lesser know design and architecture publications and articles about projects I worked on in larger publications (New York Times, Architect’s Newspaper etc.). RFE read like they did not regard the larger publications as much because they did not mention my name, and the could not determine if the other sources are ‘major publications’.

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions. Happy to help and good luck to you all!

I’m an early-career SDE (~2 years at a large US tech company) with an MS in CS from a US university, 3 IEEE publications, and ~48 citations.
I’ve started building my O-1A profile, including volunteering as a judge, but honestly O-1A doesn’t feel very doable at this point in my career. I have one H-1B lottery opportunity left, and my F-1 status expires only ~3–4 months after the lottery results.
For people who’ve been in a similar situation, what would you recommend as a realistic path to stay in the US?
Should I keep trying to strengthen O-1A, pursue another F-1/CPT route?
Would especially appreciate advice from people who had ~2–3 years of experience.

Long-time lurker here. Thought I’d share my experience and some data points to help the community.

First-time EB-1A filer. My approval email came from the Texas Service Center, and my case was approved in 14 business days from filing (PD 9/16).

I’m a musician currently on my second O-1 visa. I used the same attorney who handled my first O-1, and we spent about six months preparing the EB-1A petition. A lot of the materials from my previous O-1 filings were reused, updated, and refined for the EB-1A.

Happy to answer any questions about my experience, as long as they don’t require me to share too much personal information. Unfortunately, I can’t share my attorney’s information.

Good luck to everyone waiting on their cases!

Hi All,

I am planning on doing an Agent Based O1A petition for Self. I have applied for NIW in the past and got that approved. I have also applied for EB1A in regular processing and awaiting results.

I have been on F1 and H1B Visas in the past and loved in the US for a total of 7 Years in two different lots, first 4 Years F1+H1B and Second 3 Years F1+H1B.

I have got the latest F1 Visa in 2022, valid till April 2027, and latest H1B Stamp in October 2025 and Valid till April 2028. Please note that I did not travel back to US after I got the visa in October 2025 to care for my parents, I resigned from my home country India, and ever since in India.

Currently, I am a self employed contractor doing Export of Services to US client, US client wants me there Face to Face and willing to give contract to US entity I will be founding soon.

I am well aware of the O1A criteria and will apply for 1) Scholarly Articles, 2) Judge of Others, 3) Critical Role, 4) High Salary, and 5) Media Coverage. I will also be including itinerary for my O1A that will include this contract with US entities, and open Business Development + Innovation activities, and new clients etc.

I have a clean record in the US.

The following are my questions:

1. How likely and soon be I facing issues in getting O1A consular appointment for self after approval?

2. if I do get O1A appointment at the consulate, What challenges will be I facing for approval? Would it appear that I want to circumvent the $100k fee and hence applying for O1A visa?

3. What can be the best course of action for self to secure the O1A visa for this situation?

Thanks a lot for your help and advice. If someone has been in the same boat and passed through this situation, please do advise me.