How long does an L1 visa application take?

The total cost for an F‑1 student visa is approximately $535, which includes two main fees:

1. SEVIS Fee – $350

This is to sustain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and it must be paid in order to continue as a student in the U.S.

• You pay it when you have been issued with the Form I-20 by your U.S. institution.
• It has to be paid prior to your visa interview.
• Not-refundable and program-specific (in case you switch schools or programs, you might be required to pay once again).

2. Visa Application Fee (DS-160) – $185

This is a fee that you pay to the U.S Department of State once you are done with filling the DS-160 visa application form and can not be refunded.

• Needed to book an appointment of your visa interview at the U.S embassy or consulate.
• It applies, either way (accepted or rejected).

Additional Potential Costs

In addition to the above mandatory fees, other costs can be paid by persons seeking admission and these may be:

• Reciprocity fees levied on issuance of Visas (applies to certain nationalities).
• Travel costs to meet the U.S embassy/consulate to have an interview.
• Document preparation fees: translations, official transcripts, passport photos.
• Standardized exams (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE etc.), fee according to requirements of the school.

Partner with Experts – Simplify Your Study Abroad Journey If you're looking for a reliable partner to support your U.S. student visa application, UOM is the ideal choice. With a team of seasoned consultants who deeply understand the SEVIS system, visa process, and immigration procedures, UOM is ready to assist you every step of the way — from preparing your documents to arriving in the United States.

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To obtain a US F-1 student visa is a quite a complicated procedure starting after you have received an offer to enroll in a certified school in the United States. A step-by-step procedure to give you an idea of what to expect, and how to best prepare yourself when reaching each stage is given below:

Step 1: Apply to a SEVP-Certified School & Receive Your Form I-20

• Start by applying to a US institution which is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• After being accepted, the school will send a form I-20 which is known as the Certificate of Eligibility to receive non-immigrant student status.
• Your I-20 has the SEVIS ID, beginning date and program duration, tuition and financial information, which are important to apply as a student.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

• Visit fmjfee.com and pay SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 US dollars).
• This amount of money is to sustain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
• You have to make payment at least 3 days prior to your visa interview.
• Hang-on to the receipt; you are going to use it in your interview.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application

• Complete your DS-160 application online in ceac.state.gov.
• Give the information about yourself, education and travel.
• Upload a passport photo of complying with US requirements (1.5x1.5inch, white background).
• Once submitted, you will be able to print DS-160 confirmation page with barcode on it - you will be required to take this to the interview.
• Note: You can also be asked to mention your social media accounts used in the last 5 years.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee ($185) & Schedule the Interview

• Pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee (MRV fee) to your local US embassy or consulate (the fee is currently 185USD).
• Fill the form and make profile on the online portal of the embassy and book your visa appointment.
• You should keep the confirmation of the appointment-you will be required at the consulate.

Step 5: Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Besides going through your interview responses, prepare the needed paper work. These will be used by the consular officer to check your eligibility and intent.

Required Documents for the F-1 Visa Interview

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• Visa interview appointment confirmation
• MRV fee payment receipt
• Form I-20, signed by both you and your school SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
• Proof of financial support (e.g. recent bank statements, sponsor letter)
• Academic records, including transcripts, diplomas, and test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, etc.)
• Passport-size photo (2x2 inch), if not uploaded with DS-160

Sep 6: Attend the Interview

• Get there early and be dressed appropriate.
• You must be ready to elaborate on your planning in study, why you want to study at the school, financial status, and your post study options after finishing your study.
• Be honest, confident and answer all questions.
• By the time the interview is over, the consular officer will report to you on the decision or the necessity of processing your application.

Sep 7: Receive Your Visa and Travel to the U.S.

• Through confirmations, your F-1 visa will be stamped, on your passport and a few days- few weeks, depending on the rate at which the embassies work to be returned to you.
• You are allowed to enter into the US until 30 days before the start date written on your I-20.
• When transiting through the US port of entry, ensure you have your passport, original I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documentation with you in the carry-on.

Need Professional Support?

Navigating the U.S. student visa process can be complex — but you don’t have to do it alone. UOM offers expert, end-to-end support for students pursuing their dreams abroad — from choosing the right program and preparing your I‑20, to getting ready for your visa interview.

UOM – Smart immigration solutions for your global study journey.

EB-3 visa is a U.S specialist-worker, professional, and unskilled worker-related green card. Now, the following is an elaborate overview of the application procedure:

Step 1 – Labor Certification (Sponsorship)

First, the U.S employer has to file a PERM Labor Certification to the department of labor (DOL).

This step proves that:

• There is no available qualified U.S. labor to take up the position that is offered.
• The prevailing wage that is agreed on by the employer is the wage in that occupation and that location.

Step 2 – Form I-140 Petition

After the labor certification has been completed, the employer will submit Form I-140 ( Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker ) to USCIS.

This form establishes:

• The needs of the work are fitting to the qualification of the foreign worker.
• The employer is financially capable of paying offered wage.

Premium Processing (15-day service) is available for I-140 petitions.

Step 3 – Priority Date & Visa Availability

When Form I-140 is received, USCIS assigns a priority date (usually the date the PERM was filed). The next step can only be taken after the priority date of the applicant is current according to the Visa Bulletin.

At this point, the applicant may:

• Make an appointment on a consular interview (in case outside the U.S.).
• Petition to adjust status (in the U.S. in regular nonimmigrant status)

Step 4 – Green Card Application: Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing

• In U.S: File form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent residence) with the USCIS to adjust status as a green card holder.
• Outside the U.S: Fill Form DS-260 and undergo consular processing in one of the U.S. embassies or U.S. consulates in the place of residence.

Both pathways require:

• Medical examination
• Biometrics appointment
• In-person interview with a USCIS or consular officer

Additional Requirements for EB-3 Eligibility

A permanent, full-time job offer from a U.S. employer

Proof that the employer can pay the offered wage

The foreign worker must meet the education/experience required for their subcategory:

• Skilled Workers: A minimum of 2 years experience/or training on job
• Professionals: U.S. bachelor, or the equivalent, degree
• Other Workers: Unskilled work posts (Under 2 years training)

Need Professional Help?

The EB-3 process can be complex, and a single error can lead to costly delays. At UOM, our experts guide you and your employer through each step — from labor certification to green card approval.

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An investor has to investing in a qualified U.S. business enterprise in a qualifying amount, create or save 10 full-time jobs to the U.S. workers who qualify, and prove the legal origin of their investment funds in order to gain an EB-5 visa.

1. EB-5 Investment Requirements

Minimum Investment: You must invest either:

• $1,050,000 on an ordinary business venture.
• $800,000 should the investment be made in a Targeted Employment Area (TEA) which is generally either a rural or a high-unemployment area.

Job Creation:

The investment should create or have an enabling factor to retain 10 fulltime jobs to U.S. qualified workers within 2 years.

Lawful Source of Funds:

You must clearly demonstrate that the investment capital comes from legal sources, such as business income, salary, inheritance, or property sale. USCIS requires a transparent “source and path” of funds.

2. The EB-5 Application Process

Step 1: Choose Your Investment Type

• Direct Investment: You invest investment in your business and run business.
• Regional Center Investment: A less active strategy where the money is pooled by an approved USCIS regional center to develop bigger projects. The majority of the applicants prefer it.

Step 2: File Form I-526E (Immigrant Petition by Regional Center Investor)

This form certifies your eligibility, such as capital investment, the funds to be used and the anticipated job creation.

Step 3: Obtain Conditional Green Card

Once the petition is approved and your priority date is current:

• If you’re in the U.S., file Form I-485 to adjust your status.
• If you’re outside the U.S., complete DS-260 and attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.

You'll receive a 2-year conditional green card.

Step 4: File Form I-829 to Remove Conditions

Within 90 days before your green card expires, submit Form I-829 to show:

• The required jobs were created or will be soon.
• Your investment remained active.

If approved, you’ll receive unconditional permanent residency.

Step 5: Apply for Citizenship (Optional)

After 5 years as a permanent resident, you may apply for U.S. citizenship.

Required Documents Typically Include:

• Valid passport and photo ID
• Evidence of lawful source and path of investment funds
• Proof of investment into a commercial enterprise
• Regional center documents (if applicable)
• Business plans and economic impact reports
• Financial statements, tax returns, and wire transfers

Build Your Future, Securely and Strategically

UOM isn’t just a visa service — we’re your long-term partner in cross-border success. From verifying investment projects to preparing USCIS documentation, we offer a full-spectrum EB-5 roadmap built on experience, integrity, and results.

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The EB-1C visa programme is aimed at multinational executives or managers who move to the U.S. branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their foreign company. This visa immediately qualifies to get a U.S. green card without a labor certification (PERM).

EB-1C Application Process: 5 Key Steps

Step 1. Eligibility Review

Before filing your petition, you must ensure that you meet all the EB-1C requirements:

• Are you conversant with 1+ years of executive/managerial experience abroad over the last 3 years?
• The relationship of qualification between the foreign firm and the U.S firm (subsidiary, parent, branch, affiliate).
• The aptness of the job you are moving into (it has to be of executive or managerial kind).

At this step, UOM will carefully check your work history, company structure, and the connection between the two businesses to make sure you meet all EB-1C requirements. If anything doesn’t meet the rules, UOM will explain what needs to be fixed and help you adjust early—so you can avoid delays or rejection later.

Step 2. Document Preparation

Proper documentation is essential to support your EB-1C petition. Key documents include:

• Both entities have their business licenses, detailed job descriptions and organizational charts.
• Letters keys about your executive position, financial records and all details that show your authority to make decisions.
• The immigrant petition of alien workers Form I-140 comes with documentary evidence in form of awards or press coverage or business records indicating that the company is indeed operating.

UOM works with you to collect and organize all the necessary documents—like business records, job descriptions, and letters from HR. UOM’s legal team will draft your I-140 petition clearly and accurately, making sure it meets USCIS standards.

Step 3. Premium Filing

You may request Premium Processing to expedite your I-140 petition:

• The USCIS fee will cost you 2,805 USD, and you will be given an answer within 15 days of the calendar.
• When USCIS sends a Request to Evidence (RFE), then you are required to reply with some new documents.
• It is highly advisable to use this option in time sensitive cases.

UOM handles your Premium Processing filing on your behalf, tracks your case in real time, and promptly responds to any RFEs. This helps streamline the process and minimizes delays.

Step 4. Consulate Readiness

Once the I-140 is approved, you’ll move on to the final stage depending on your location:

• If you are in the U.S., you may file Form I-485 to adjust your status to permanent resident.
• If you are abroad, you will attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate and submit Form DS-260.

Additional steps include:

• Attending a medical examination, submitting biometrics, and preparing for the consular interview.

UOM will guide you through each step with clarity and simplicity. We help schedule your medical exam, double-check all documents, and conduct mock interviews based on real scenarios—especially helping you highlight your current managerial role effectively.

Step 5. Post-Approval Guidance

After your petition is approved:

• Your green card can be issued by either adjustment of status or a consular process.
• Your spouse as well as unmarried children below 21 may as well apply as derivative applicants in the category EB-1C.

Even after your petition is approved, UOM stays by your side. We assist you and your family with post-approval paperwork, provide guidance for entering the U.S., and help ensure a smooth transition to your new life.

Required Documentation Includes:

• Valid passport and photo ID
• Detailed job descriptions (foreign and U.S. positions)
• Corporate relationship proof between U.S. and foreign entities
• Evidence of company operations in both countries
• Organizational charts and payroll records
• Supporting letters from HR or senior executives

Move Faster, Smarter with UOM From eligibility assessment to I-140 approval and green card success, UOM delivers a strategic, full-service EB-1C solution trusted by global corporations and high-level executives alike.

UOM – End-to-end immigration services that get results.

The complete processing of L1 visa application usually takes between 2 to 6 months but the exact period might vary due to a number of reasons including the type of petition filed, the use or not of premium processing and the wait times at the U.S. embassy or consulate during the visa interview.

To seek planning, you can take a look at the breakdown of the timeline and influencing factors below:

1. USCIS Petition Processing (Form I-129)

The procedure starts with the U.S. employer submitting Form I-129 to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on the employee behalf.

Normal processing can take 2 to 6 months depending on the workload and complexity of the case of the service center in USCIS.

In case, USCIS sends a Request of Evidence (RFE), processing will be stopped until the new information is provided.

To avail of Premium Processing, you may file Form I-907 and submit an additional fee of around $2,805. This service will make sure that USCIS will act on your petition within 15 calendar days. In case of an issued Request of Evidence (RFE), the timeline of 15 days will resume after USCIS receives the response.

Note: Premium processing only accelerates the decision on the form I-129 of USCIS not the time required to schedule the interview or the issuance of the visa.

2. Visa Application at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

Once their application has been approved by USCIS, the applicant is expected to be registered online through Form DS-160 and book an interview appointment at the U.S embassy or consulate in their native country.

The waiting time to get an appointment in an interview differs across the country but averagely it is between 1 to 4 weeks.

The issuance of the visa following a successful interview takes 3 to 10 business days with additional administrative processing being required.

Applicants can take still longer undergoing additional security and background checks in cases where this is needed.

3. Blanket L Petitions for Large Employers

Multinational companies whose Blanket L petition has been approved may have their employees ask for the visa directly at the consulate, by filling Form I-129S, without the employees petition in the USCIS being approved individually.

This may greatly shorten the schedule to about 1 to 3 weeks.

Blanket L is not open to any company which can transfer it frequently between companies within the company.

4. Factors Affecting Processing Time

• USCIS workload and processing speed
• Completeness and accuracy of the petition and supporting documents
• Requests for Evidence (RFE) by USCIS
• Embassy or consulate interview availability and processing speed
• Security and administrative processing delays
• Seasonal peaks (summer, year-end) that increase demand

5. Estimated Overall Timeline

Navigate Your L1 Visa with Confidence — Let UOM Guide You

Applying for an L1 visa can be complex and time-sensitive. UOM offers expert guidance tailored to your company’s needs. Our consultants understand every step of the USCIS petition process and embassy procedures, helping you minimize delays and maximize your chance of success — from initial filing to final visa approval.

UOM — Your trusted partner in efficient and reliable L1 visa processing.