I’ve read that it’s better to apply for an O-1 visa while outside the U.S., and that it’s best not to be in the U.S. for six months before approval. If there’s an option to go on an H-1B now — should I do that, or is it better to first sort out the O-1 while staying abroad? The situation looks strange when an O-1 can be approved from inside the country, but then they may refuse to stamp it abroad when you leave. Also, my ties to my home countries under both citizenships aren’t very strong — does that make the situation even riskier?
I had the option — I decided to apply for an O-1 outside the U.S. and I really regretted it. If you’re currently in the States on some non-immigrant visa, do a change of status from within. Dealing with consulates and getting a visa stamped outside the country is exactly the same huge hassle as if you leave after changing status from inside — the same Admin Processing, 214(b), and the likelihood that you’ll have to wait for months. And travel is a separate story: with an O-1 via CoS you’ll still have to go to a consulate to get the stamp in your passport; without it they won’t let you back in.
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