How To Get My Passport Stamped and Work Authorization for P-1 and O-1 Visa Approvals
Generally, if you are in the United States when your P-1 or O-1 visa is approved (and you did not come to the United States on a ESTA Visa Waiver), you now have work authorization as a result of CHANGE OF STATUS.
There is no work authorization card that comes with P-1 or O-1 visas like an immigrant petition for a green card. Instead, on your original approval notice should be an I-94 tab that includes a I-94 number. The I-94 number is assigned to you once you change status and/or legally enter the United States.
Proof of an I-94 number is necessary to obtain a social security number
If you do not have the original you can use this website to request another original (https://egov.uscis.gov/e-request/Intro.do – use the “DID NOT RECEIVE NOTICE” tab)
If you were outside of the United States or ESTA Visa Waiver. when you were approved for the visa, you must get your passport updated with a stamp on your passport
THIS CAN ONLY HAPPEN OUTSIDE OF THE UNITED STATES VIA AN INTERVIEW AT A CONSULATE.
Step Number 1 – Find a consular office that has a desirable wait time
The first step is to get a location to do your interview. Consulates around the world have different backlogs and availability for appointments. The quickest way to determine which consulates work best for you is to visit this website. It is best to look at countries you can get to without needing a visa.
This web link has estimated wait times for appointments at cities around the world. For O-1 and P-1 approvals use the nonimmigrant tab for the most accurate wait times.
If the consulate(s) you want to visit are backlogged or only open for emergencies, please consider retaining our consular practice to assist with appointment issues.
Step 2: Complete a DS-160 Application
Once you have identified the consulate you would like to visit, the next step is to visit this website and create a DS-160 application. This is a long application that we recommend saving the login information for in case you need to retrieve it to finish later.
This link has useful tips on filling out the DS-160 – https://www.sherrodsportsvisas.com/p1-o1-visa-approval
It is also an option to hire our law firm to fill out a DS-160 application if you prefer. This would begin by completing one of the following forms:
Step 3 – Pay Visa Fee and Schedule Appointment
Once your DS-160 is completed, you can head to the website of your chosen consulate to schedule an interview. Typically, the consulate’s appointment schedule link will be under the information for nonimmigrant visas. If you are confused, it is best to call them directly for instructions as all consulates are a bit different.
Once you find the link to the appointment portal, you will be asked to input some information and then pay for the MVR fee. In some countries you can pay online; in other countries the fee must be paid in person. Typically the visa fee is between US$190 and US$205.
After you pay the fee you can pick an appointment date. If the dates are far in the future, you do have the option to retain our firm to seek an expedited appointment (which is recommended over trying to expedite one yourself). Even if you do wish to expedite, it is best to choose the first date available and then seek assistance.
Step 4 – Attend the visa interview
The final step of the process is to physically attend the interview. If you are in a country that speaks a different language than you, you may want to call the consulate to inquire about translation services.
Typically you will want to bring the following documents with you to the interview
Approval notice or at least a receipt number
DS-160 confirmation page
Passport
Appointment Confirmation Notice
Proof of foreign residence if available
You should also check with the consulate you are visiting to see if any other helpful information is present.