O and P Visa Delays and Premium Processing
Those who are filing for either O or P status should know that, surprise, the processing time listed on the USCIS website for O and P visas is incorrect.
Currently, USCIS California Service Center is listing a processing time of 2 weeks. Unfortunately the actual time period is 8-10 weeks, considerable longer. And this is assuming that there is no RFE.
The Vermont Service Center on its October 15, 2015 timeline report stated it was only taking them 2 weeks to adjudicate O and P visas. As of the November 17, 2015 timeline report, they are now stating that they are only at June 29, 2015. This new report is certainly a more accurate date, there is no question of that. However it should be noted that, as of October 15, 2015 they were NOT processing cases in a two week time frame either. That report listed an “as of date” (i.e. each report has a date that shows that the timeframes they are discussing are current “as of” a certain date) of August 31,2015. The November 17, 2015 lists an “as of” date of 9/30/2015. So, according to all the dates, the Vermont Service Center is saying that, as of August 31, 2015 they were adjudicating cases submitted on August 15, 2015, but then, as of September 30, 2015 they were only adjudicating cases submitted as of June 29, 2015. I am certain I am not the only one who finds this odd.
Unfortunately, this is par for the course when dealing with posted timeframes and USCIS. One is never sure if the actual timeframe listed is the actual timeframe, the wished upon timeframe, or somewhere in between.
It is good to remember that, for O and P visa applications one can actually file up to one year in advance of the need, so it pays to plan in advance. Of course there is always the option of using bribery, I mean Premium Processing, for an additional $1225, in which case USCIS will process your case within 15 days.
Please remember, as always, this blog does not offer legal advice. If you need legal advice, consult with a lawyer instead of a blog. Thank you.