Wondering what happens after filing your O-1 visa? Learn about receipt notices, RFEs, approval timelines, visa stamping, and next steps—plus expert tips from Beyond Border to simplify the process.
Once your O-1 visa petition is officially filed with USCIS, the wait begins. At this point, most applicants aren’t entirely sure what’s next. Do you sit back and wait for a response? Should you start preparing for travel or work? Are there steps you might miss? If you’ve asked yourself any of those questions—you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect after you’ve submitted your O-1 petition and what steps you should prepare for along the way.
Filing the petition is a big deal. Whether you’re a researcher who just secured a U.S. fellowship, a startup founder scaling internationally, or an artist with shows lined up across cities—it’s important to know how the process continues after submission.
The first sign that USCIS has your petition is a Form I-797C, also known as the receipt notice. This typically arrives within 2 to 3 weeks of filing. It’s not an approval—it’s simply a confirmation that USCIS has officially received your Form I-129 petition for the O-1 visa.
The notice contains a receipt number, which is a unique tracking code you can use to monitor your case online through the official USCIS portal. If you haven’t received this within 21 days, it’s a good idea to check with your attorney or reach out to Beyond Border to make sure nothing has gone missing.
Once your petition is in the USCIS system, the actual review begins. How long this takes depends on whether you selected regular processing or premium processing.
Under regular processing, you may need to wait anywhere from two to six months to receive a decision. This time frame can shift based on which USCIS service center is handling your case and their current workload.
If you opted for premium processing, the timeline is much faster. For an additional fee, USCIS guarantees that it will take action on your petition—either an approval, denial, or a request for more information—within 15 calendar days. This is ideal for applicants who are on strict timelines or have contracts that start soon. If you’re unsure which route makes sense for your situation, the team at Beyond Border can help you weigh the options based on your goals.
Sometimes, USCIS needs more information before making a decision. This is where a Request for Evidence (RFE) comes into play. It’s not a rejection, but rather a notice that USCIS wants to see additional proof to better evaluate your petition.
RFEs might ask for details like stronger expert letters, more media recognition, a clearer itinerary of your planned work, or further proof of your achievements. Depending on the request, you’ll usually be given 30 to 90 days to respond.
If you receive an RFE, don’t stress—but do act strategically. This is a key opportunity to improve your case, and it’s where expert support can make a big difference. At Beyond Border, we’ve helped clients revise and resubmit solid responses that led to successful approvals even after an initial RFE.
If USCIS approves your O-1 petition, you’ll receive another notice—Form I-797 Approval Notice. From there, your next step depends on where you are physically located at the time of approval.
If you’re already in the United States and applied for a change of status, your visa status will automatically update to O-1 on the petition’s start date. There’s no need to leave the country or attend a visa interview.
If you’re outside the U.S., you’ll need to go through the visa stamping process at a U.S. consulate. This involves filling out the DS-160 form, scheduling an appointment, and attending a visa interview. Once approved, your passport will be stamped with the O-1 visa, and you can begin planning your travel.
It’s important to schedule your visa stamping appointment early, especially since consulate wait times can vary by country. If you’re unsure how to start, Beyond Border can walk you through the visa interview process and help you prepare the required documents.
Once your visa is stamped, or your change of status is approved, you might wonder when you can actually begin working—or even enter the U.S.
If you’re entering the U.S. with a new O-1 visa, you’re allowed to arrive up to 10 days before your official start date, but you can’t begin working until that listed start date begins.
If you're already inside the country and your change of status has been approved, you're permitted to start working on the first day indicated on your petition.
It’s a good idea to keep your approval notice, passport, and supporting documents with you when traveling—especially during port-of-entry checks. If you have questions about travel or timing, Beyond Border can clarify what to expect.
Although it’s not the outcome anyone hopes for, it’s important to understand what happens if your O-1 petition is denied. USCIS will send a formal notice explaining why they made that decision.
At this point, you have several options. You can file a motion to reopen or reconsider the decision, submit a new petition with stronger documentation, or consider other visa categories that may suit your background, like the EB-1, EB-2 NIW, or even an H-1B if applicable.
Before you take any next steps, it’s worth reviewing your situation with a qualified advisor. Beyond Border offers thorough evaluations to help you understand your options and chart the best path forward.
Even after approval, it’s smart to hold on to your complete O-1 petition package, copies of all your supporting documents, and the receipt and approval notices. These can be useful for future visa renewals, consulate visits, or even when applying for a green card down the line.
Having everything saved and easily accessible will save time and prevent stress later—especially if you plan to extend your stay or change visa categories in the future.
How can I check the status of my O-1 petition?
You can monitor your case progress using the receipt number at USCIS
Can I leave the U.S. while my O-1 is pending?
If you applied for a change of status while inside the U.S., international travel can automatically cancel your application. If you applied from outside the U.S., you can travel freely while waiting.
Should I always go for premium processing?
Not necessarily. It depends on your start date, project deadlines, and personal preferences. Premium helps with faster answers, but it’s not always required.
What if my passport is about to expire?
You’ll need to renew your passport before visa stamping if it’s valid for less than six months beyond your intended U.S. stay.
Can I change employers after my O-1 is approved?
You can, but the new employer must file a new O-1 petition. You can’t transfer your O-1 status between employers without USCIS approval.
Submitting an O-1 petition is only part of the journey. What follows—the receipt notice, case review, potential RFE, approval process, and either a change of status or visa stamping—requires close attention. The more you understand each phase, the better prepared you’ll be.
If you want a smooth transition from filing to approval to arrival in the U.S., having the right support matters. Beyond Border specializes in O-1 visas and can help you navigate every post-filing step with clarity and confidence.
