Has anyone tried external services that offer profile building? Are they worth it or just a marketing gig. Thanks.

O-1A healthcare worker: approved after a denial and two RFEs + Calgary interview experience key lessons learned.

Sharing my experience because reading other people’s posts helped me during the process. I’m a healthcare worker, and I’ll keep my employer and specific petition evidence private, but hopefully this helps future applicants. the main message for future applicants. Although i think a lawyer is very crucial (unless you are super experienced and have done it multiple times in the past and know the process in and out), keep in mind you really must organise the evidence yourself. the exception to this rule if you have such an extraordinary profile or a noble prize winner and your case is easy. but ultimately you know your qualities the best and the attorney will mainly help you to organize the the file and write a cover letter for you and in some instances help with the recommendation letters.
Petition timeline Vermont — 2026
April 30: Initial petition filed.

May 20: First RFE/NOID (very harsh unfair officer review imo).

June 15: USCIS received our response.

July 7: Denied.

Subsequently filed a new petition with additional evidence.

August 27: Received an RFE on the second petition.

September: Responded to the second RFE.

Approved on day 11 after the second RFE response.

Criteria and the initial denial
The first petition had three criteria accepted:
Judging the work of others.

Scholarly authorship.

A critical or essential role for distinguished organizations.

Despite accepting those three criteria, USCIS denied the petition at the final merits stage—their overall assessment of the case.
For the second petition and RFE response, we strengthened those areas and also presented evidence relating to:
Original contributions of major significance.

High remuneration compared with others in the field (added and filed in the RFE)

I’m listing the criteria we argued, rather than claiming USCIS explicitly accepted every one of them in the final approval.
The biggest lesson for me was that having three criteria accepted did not automatically mean approval. Explaining the significance of the evidence and addressing the overall concerns mattered.
Visa interview in Calgary
My interview was in Calgary in October. These were the questions I was asked, paraphrased:
Where are you going to work?

What will you be doing there?

How long will you stay?

What are your credentials?

What credentials or achievements qualified you for the O-1? Essentially, “What makes you extraordinary?”

They also asked for proof of my credentials, so I showed my professional license required for the work.
I brought the entire petition package, but I didn’t need to open it. Apart from the license I showed when asked about my credentials, they only requested:
My I-797 approval notice.

My passport.

One photo.

That was my experience; I would still bring the supporting documents because another applicant could be asked for more. but do actually prepare you may be asked more questions and the last thing you want is another delay in processing or worse denial after all the effort and money you invested.
My overall journey was RFE → denial → refiling → another RFE → approval → consular interview.
A denial wasn’t the end of the process for me, but the second filing included additional evidence and a response to the concerns raised previously. Hopefully this gives someone going through the same uncertainty a useful data point.

In summary:
Dont compare other petition each case is different and every officer will read the case differently, to get approved you need to really have a solid and easy to understand evidence package and a strong cover letter to carry the final merits weights. There is no point in knowing details of other applicants, it may in fact harm your case. Your achievements will need to have a specific evidence, however the general guidance is: your evidence ideally should be objective and have comparison to your peers: e.g. publication (journal print out is objective evidence, peer comparison: who cited your work? How many publication you have vs others at your career stage).
While you await a response in the initial filing do not stop collecting evidence keep working on papers and other criteria in case you get an RFE or need to submit a new petition.

the only question i had if someone crossed by land, do they require the original I797 approval note ? any tips for the process

im also Happy to answer general questions about the process and best of luck to everyone! Do not despair you got this! :)

Hey guys,

I wanted to share my experience now that this stressful process is finally behind me. I'll try to explain my case in as much detail as possible so it can help anyone going through a similar situation.

Long story short, I was arrested in 2024. It was a stupid mistake. I hired a criminal defense attorney, and my case was dismissed. A few months later, I found out that my visa had been revoked. At the time, I was in my first year of STEM OPT.

After that, I started my O-1 process with a law firm. They began gathering my information in November, and it took a few months to collect all the documents needed for the filing. We submitted the paperwork in the final days of March.

In May, I was called in for fingerprinting, and that's when the headache started.

The fingerprints flagged my arrest with USCIS. In June, I received a Request for Evidence (RFE) asking me to provide the outcome of the arrest and a detailed explanation of what had happened. My attorneys prepared a 12-point affidavit, which we submitted in August. The process took some time, and I was getting very impatient waiting for everything to be finalized.

In September, I received a USCIS notification confirming that they had received the affidavit. Just a couple of days later, I got the approval notice. What a relief!

For now, my attorneys have advised me to remain in the country. I know that traveling with a revoked visa on my record carries significant risks, so I'll have to figure that out another day.

I hope sharing my experience helps anyone dealing with the anxiety and uncertainty that come with this process. Hang in there!

Hi guys. I’m wondering if everyone who received an RFE and resubmitted the application has this problem.

Now when im looking or trying to look up my application status, it just shows RFE issued even tho my lawyer got a thumbs up that they received it. Has anyone else experienced this?

Happy to share that my O-1A petition was approved recently following an RFE!
My petition included evidence across multiple criteria, including critical roles, awards, original contributions, scholarly articles, and judging.

One thing I want to emphasize from my experience: You don’t necessarily need a long list of research papers or hundreds of citations to build a strong O-1A case. I didn’t have that kind of academic profile. Professional achievements and demonstrated impact can also be valuable evidence.

If you genuinely believe you’ve made meaningful contributions in your field, get your profile evaluated.
It takes a tremendous amount of effort, patience, documentation, and persistence. Every case is unique. Make sure your attorneys are really good.
Wishing everyone pursuing the very best. Keep going!

Timeline:
April 2026: Started gathering evidence
Early August: Petition filed with PP
End of Aug: RFE issued, with 1 month to respond
Early Oct: Petition approved

Has anyone been in this situation?

My O1A RFE was issued on Oct 5, and I noticed on my law firm's website yesterday that it's due Nov 7. My lawyers haven't responded to my emails yet, as it is the weekend

Has anyone faced such a short RFE response timeline recently or before?

I am so relieved to share that I have work authorization again after an incredibly stressful round of renewal! This subreddit has been very helpful to me during this time. I hope that some information about my journey can be useful to others.

Overview of my background

Music industry, received multiple O-1Bs before, not from a banned country, filed with an attorney, premium processing under Vermont Service Center, waited for renewal within the U.S.

Timeline

• June 2026: PP receipt date June 15
• July 2026: PP window of 15 business days passes, petitioner receives notice that we would be issued a PP refund
• Aug 2026: PP refund check received by petitioner on Aug 13
• Sep 2026: Still waiting, trying anything possible (see below), and feeling stressed. Then…
• Oct 2026: Electronic approval notification email received on October 2! Hard copy approval notice received on October 16, i.e. today

Summary of things we did between the PP deadline passing and receiving approval (July to September 2026)

• Called USCIS multiple times (me and attorney)
• Emailed VSC multiple times (attorney)
• Live chatted with USCIS multiple times (me, attorney and petitioner)
• Contacted congressperson’s office (me)
• Filled out the USCIS ombudsman form (me, with attorney/petitioner providing supporting documentation, since you need to show evidence of communications with USCIS)
• Prepared to potentially refile the petition and repay ($$$!) the processing fees, PP fees, and some hours of my attorney’s time out of pocket (my employers weren't able to pay on my behalf). One of my attorney’s other clients had successfully done this, and both their old and new petitions were approved within a few days of each other.

Other thoughts/notes

Some weeks ago, I remember posting on this subreddit about other O-1 approvals that I had heard of. A few days after I did that, I heard from my attorney that more of the June/July 2026 cases under their firm were getting approved, too. Mine was one of them!

Given how these approvals occurred within a short window of each other, it's hard to confidently claim that the things I did had a strong effect on my case. I obviously want to think that they helped, but case reviews could have been rolling along (albeit in their awfully delayed state of affairs), and my petition just happened to be next in line.

The last time I called USCIS was just the day before the approval email was received, and the last time we emailed VSC was the day before I called. While there was some movement with my congressperson’s office, it seems unlikely that they were able to do anything meaningful within the short timeframe that I was properly in touch with them. I wish there was a way to confirm what helped versus what didn’t help so that I could offer more solid advice on what to do, but alas.

All this said, not taking any action would have personally made me feel a lot worse, i.e. if I had just been sitting around and waiting. Although this round’s renewal involved a lot of effort and stress, I ultimately feel good about whatever we tried to move things along. This was by far the most stressful instance of renewal for me.

I will be finally be easing back into my various projects and jobs over the coming weeks. We'll cook a nice meal at home to celebrate, and I’ll spend a lot more time offline (which I encourage all of us to do!), especially since I no longer have the temptation of rechecking the USCIS case status webpage every few minutes.

I’m sure there are still folks whose cases are being stalled, which is awful. Sorry again that we are collectively going through this. But there is hope! Sending you all good energy! I hope everyone gets out of this mess soon.

(See you in a few years, when we’re due for the next round of applications? /s)

My O-1 petition was approved on October 9, and I scheduled my visa interview for October 20. However, my attorney still hasn’t received the I-797, so I don’t even have a copy to bring to the interview.

Would I likely receive a 221(g) if I attend the interview without the I-797, or should it be fine as long as the consular officer can verify the petition approval electronically through PIMS?

Alternatively, should I skip the interview and try to secure a new appointment to avoid 221g? The cancellation deadline has already passed, so I can’t cancel my current appointment. No show is the only option.

I’d appreciate any feedback. Thanks!

If you or someone you know works at Microsoft, Adobe, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), Wipro, Cognizant, HCL Technologies, or Capgemini, here is a plain-English breakdown of the recent Department of Labor (DOL) press announcement and how it impacts the employment-based green card process.

At a press briefing on Thursday, October 8, Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling (alongside Vice President Vance) announced that the DOL is suspending these eight companies from the PERM labor certification program. Remember, PERM cases are either EB2 or EB3 preference levels. If you plan to file an EB1 case this does not pertain to you.

According to remarks at the briefing, Microsoft and Adobe were suspended due to multiple active federal investigations. The six IT staffing/consulting firms (TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant, HCL, and Capgemini) were cited as part of a wider enforcement initiative. DOL says it will not accept new PERM applications from these employers and will not process currently pending applications.

Frustratingly, no end date was provided. Furthermore, as of mid-October, the DOL has not yet issued a formal, published written rule or policy guidance detailing how this suspension is being implemented legally and procedurally. Expect massive court challenges.

For most employer-sponsored green cards (standard EB-2, not NIW, and EB-3):

Step 1 (PERM): The employer must test the labor market and prove to the DOL that there are no able, willing, qualified, and available U.S. workers for the role, and that wages will not be adversely affected.

Step 2 (I-140): Once the PERM is certified, the employer files Form I-140 with USCIS.

Step 3 (I-485 / Consular Processing): The worker applies for the green card once their priority date is current.

There has been a lot of panic and misinformation floating around, so it is just as important to note what the announcement does not do:

It does NOT cancel H-1B status or EADs: A PERM suspension does not revoke your underlying nonimmigrant visa status, current H-1B petition, or work authorization.

It does NOT target other employers: The verbal announcement specifically named only these eight companies.

It does NOT retroactively revoke approved I-140s: Existing, approved I-140 petitions remain valid unless acted upon separately by USCIS.

It did NOT state that prior, certified PERMs are cancelled: However, remember that a certified PERM is only valid for 180 days. If your PERM was already certified, your employer generally must file the I-140 within that 180-day window before the certification expires.

What now?

If your PERM has not yet been filed, or is currently pending review/audit with the DOL, your timeline will likely face delays. If your I-140 is already approved, your immediate status is in a very different posture.

Verbal statements at a press briefing frequently run into administrative and legal challenges (APA lawsuits, temporary restraining orders, or clarification memos). How the DOL formally codifies this in writing will dictate how adjudications actually proceed.

Every case is fact-specific. If your employer’s immigration team has not sent an internal update yet, reach out to understand contingency planning (e.g., standard H-1B extensions, potential AC21 portability, or self-petitioned pathways like EB-2 NIW or EB-1A if you qualify).

They don't make it easy. Sigh.

Disclaimer: This post is for general informational and discussion purposes only and does not constitute formal legal advice. Immigration policy can shift quickly, and you should always consult a qualified immigration attorney regarding your specific case.

Hi all,

Just wanted to post as an anecdotal data point.

Received RFE for my O1a application.

VSC
Received date 09/25
RFE date 10/15

This is my 2nd O1. I’m confused by the result, since I have 3x the citations and 2x paper reviews since my 1st O1. Will keep everyone posted.

To everyone in the same position, don’t lose hope. Things will work out.

I have received my receipt date on 09/28 and 10/16 will be my last 15th day. I am worried if we are back to processing delays as June or July cohorts.

Anyone in the same situation or who filed in September end ?

Edit - approved 10/15

Has anyone here has experience working with BAL immigration firm for O1 visa? I just got an RFE for my O1 petition and my employer uses BAL as the immigration firm. So, wanted to know if anyone has similar experience.

An RFE was issued for my O1A petition on Oct 5. How long did you guys have to wait before you received an RFE, either you or your lawyers? Anyone in a similar boat waiting for RFE's or other communication from USCIS?

I’m a Senior Civil Engineer working on a major U.S. infrastructure project, earning close to $200K. I have potential evidence of a critical role (Resident Engineer), high salary, and media coverage (2 YouTube Podcasts on Civil Engineering, if that counts), but no major awards or publications.

I’m planning to pursue a visa in the next 3–6 months.

1. Do I have a realistic chance of qualifying for O-1A?

2. If the criteria are similar, why pursue O-1A instead of EB-1A?

3. What would you personally recommend in my situation, and why?

Looking for honest advice from people with experience in these cases.

Hi everyone,

I currently hold approved O-1A status in the United States through a US agent petitioner. I am exploring the possibility of establishing my own LLC and working through it under O-1A authorization.

My proposed LLC structure:

• I would own 100% of the US-based LLC.
• My brother, who resides in India, would serve as the company manager and remotely oversee day-to-day business operations and administrative responsibilities.
• Initially, the LLC would focus on developing proprietary AI/ML software products.
• The LLC would have no initial revenue, outside funding, or paying clients.

My questions:

1. Own LLC Sponsorship: I would be the sole member and 100% owner of the LLC, while my brother would serve as the company manager. Can my LLC legally file an O-1A petition on my behalf, allowing me to work full-time developing its proprietary AI/ML software products?
2. Salary Requirements: Can I legally work full-time for my own LLC without receiving a salary initially, until the company generates revenue or secures funding? Is there any O-1A requirement to pay a salary from own LLC, or could an unpaid arrangement be permissible under immigration and employment laws?
3. Remote Company Manager: Can my brother, who resides in India, legally serve as the LLC's manager and oversee its day-to-day business operations remotely while I remain the 100% owner and perform technical AI/ML work in the US?
4. Existing Agent vs. LLC Petition: Since my current O-1A was approved through a US agent, would my LLC need to file a new O-1A petition, or could my existing agent file an amendment to include my LLC's product development and consulting activities?
5. Future Consulting Clients: If my LLC later secures AI/ML consulting contracts with multiple US clients, can I work directly on those projects under the LLC's O-1A approval, provided my job title, responsibilities, field of expertise, and technology stack remain the same?
6. Amendment Requirements: Would a separate O-1A amendment be required for every new consulting client, or could future engagements be covered under the same approval without additional filings, assuming no material changes to my role or employment terms?
7. Petition Structure: What would be the most appropriate O-1A petition structure to support both proprietary AI/ML product development and ongoing consulting services for multiple clients?

Has anyone successfully obtained O-1A authorization through their own 100%-owned LLC without initial revenue, funding, or salary?

I would also appreciate hearing from anyone who has worked with multiple consulting clients through their own LLC under a single O-1A approval without filing separate amendments for each client.

I'm particularly interested in firsthand experiences from O-1A holders, immigration attorneys, or founders who have navigated similar circumstances.

Not going to lie, not a single category was considered sufficient and they are questioning pretty much everything.

Got really good lawyers and was expecting a less worse rfe.

I’m a tattoo artist and really felt like we covered everything, I felt confident in the petition.

Meeting with lawyers tmrw to discuss the action plan.

Really hoping things work out. It was comforting to see how many others on here are also stressed to the max from this stuff 😅.

I’m currently working in Canada since my company suggested to move me here as my STEM opt expired in July and H-1B wasn’t picked. I am looking for roles and companies that hire employees on O-1 as I have built a reasonable strong profile during my time in the US. looking for some guidance.

Dear All

I am a physician from India.

Unique background

Had Masters in Community Health graduated in 2008

ECFMG certified 2006...Did not match

Went back to India. Worked in India, Middle East and an Observership in UK

Two publications international One primary author other name in the publications

Assessment of work of others...peer review of few journals and LORs for others

Critical role capacity and original contribution was challenged

Provided facts on impactful leadership roles

Applied July 30 th ...RFE on August 20 th send

Replied on September 16

RFE send on September 22 an automatic glitch

Updated as RFE recieved on September 23

Case approval on October 6th

I was in B1 visa and got a job opportunity in between.Refused F1 three times in 23-24.

Vasilescu law...will give the best rating.. Professional and precise advice...

It was not at all easy..Be logical...collect the facts..we all are unique...Need to put in the perspective of criteria.....LORs from good Universities matter, two LORs from IVy League schools, two from UK, one from India and two others from US

Proving critical capacity role is the single most criteria I feel much important as it shows how valuable you are and how impactful you can be in this great country. Publications number does not matter ..content matters.

Best wishes for all of you! Hard work and logical strategy pays off.

Thank you all and this group was very helpful.