Do separate queues exist for premium processing and regular filing for the O-1 visa? It would make sense to apply with premium processing to make it in time, but that seems a bit unfair to people using regular filing. Or is it not like that at all?
Yes — for the O-1 there’s a separate track: you pay up to $2.5K to USCIS and they process it within 15 business days. With mail turnaround factored in, plan on about a month. As for fairness — it’s an official USCIS program, not some trick. The only things to keep in mind: you might get an RFE (Request for Evidence), which will push the timeline, and there’s also a chance you’ll be subject to administrative processing.
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