START PREPARING EARLY FOR THE BEST CHANCES OF RENEWAL

Your visa expires in 1 year - What to do today

Contributor

Tukki

Reading time

3 mins read

Date published

Jan 17, 2025

Time flies when you’re having fun, right? But if you’re in the US on a temporary visa, what happens when the clock starts ticking toward the expiration date of your current status?

If you’re within a year of your visa’s expiration, it’s time to act. Here’s when to get started and how to navigate the process.

US visa transitions take an unknown amount of time

This isn’t your first visa so you know that changing or extending a temporary visa involves more than filling out forms—though that part can be time-consuming! Visa petitioning is a complex process that requires preparation, documentation, and, often, navigating government processing delays. For example, Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to provide more proof of your eligibility can extend a timeline by weeks or even months.

Depending on the type of visa or US green card you’re transitioning to, you should budget time to meet with your immigration lawyer and gather the necessary evidence to make a strong petition. Letters of recommendation, proof of achievements, and other documentation aren’t built overnight.

12 months aren’t as long as they seem

One year might sound like plenty of time, but here’s the reality:

  1. Processing times are unpredictable. The US immigration system often faces backlogs, so what’s listed as “typical processing time” may not reflect real-time delays or extenuating circumstances on temporary visa renewals.
  2. Preparation eats into your timeline. From collecting evidence to consulting with immigration lawyers, you might need months to ensure everything is ready to submit even if you work with a full legal team.
  3. You risk overstaying extensions and having to leave the US. Extensions and transitions aren’t guaranteed. Even with a strong case, immigration authorities can take time to approve—or question—your petition. Starting early buffers any unexpected hurdles.

The last thing you want is to have to uproot your life due to red tape and bureaucratic delays.

A visa timeline calculator can help

Planning your next steps can feel overwhelming, but that’s where tools like this timeline and visa calculator come in. It’s designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect for your specific visa or US green card process, including how long each step typically takes, verified by US immigration lawyers.

Whether you’re thinking about transitioning to a US green card or extending your current visa, this tool can help you identify when to start and avoid rushing critical steps.

Proactive action = peace of mind

The earlier you start, the more control you’ll have over your immigration journey, especially because a consultation with an immigration lawyer can give you a roadmap for improving your profile, so when it’s time to apply, you’re ready. There are several steps you can take to improve your eligibility, but some can take months—so it’s better to know in advance and plan ahead.

Moreover, waiting too long can lead to last-minute stress, rushed applications, or even gaps in your legal status. By taking action now, you’ll have time to:

  • Build a strong, well-documented petition.
  • Avoid unnecessary premium processing fees.
  • Navigate challenges, including RFEs, without rushing.

What’s your next step?

If you’re within a year of your visa’s expiration, schedule a consultation with Tukki’s legal team to explore your options, plan your timeline, and get the support you need for a seamless visa transition.

Your future in the US doesn’t have to be uncertain—start early, plan ahead, and choose Tukki’s immigration lawyer to make it a premium experience.

WE CAN HELP

Need more clarity?

Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts

Can I pay the H-1B premium processing fee online?

Yes, in certain cases.

  • If the H-1B petition is filed online, the premium processing fee may also be paid electronically.
  • If the petition is filed on paper, USCIS generally requires Form I-907 to be submitted in paper form with a physical payment.

Because USCIS filing and payment methods change frequently and often require online payment through ACH or credit card systems, it is important to review USCIS’s official instructions to confirm the current requirements.

Can I apply for both the O-1 and EB-1A at the same time?

Yes. It’s possible to pursue both strategies simultaneously. However, it’s far more common to apply for the O-1 and then pursue the EB-1A. Many applicants use the O-1 as a “bridge” to work legally in the U.S. while building their profile for the EB-1A. The O-1 is temporary, while the EB-1A leads to permanent residency.

Is it wise to apply for a B-1 or B-2 business visa if you hold a C-Corporation or LLC?

Holding a C-Corp or any type of business entity technically holds no implications over your legal B-1 or B-2 eligibility, but can raise questions from immigration officials in some circumstances.

You could own multiple companies in the US and that generally shouldn’t affect how you apply for this visa if you’re eligible.

How long does it take to get approved for EB-1A vs O-1A?

Both O-1A and EB-1A petitions can use premium processing for $2,805 ($2,965 since March 2026), which guarantees USCIS action within 15 business days.

Without premium processing, O-1A petitions and EB-1A I-140 petitions are generally processed on similar timelines. The key difference is that EB-1A approval is only the first step toward permanent residence.

After I-140 approval, EB-1A applicants must still complete adjustment of status or consular processing, which adds several additional months to the overall green card timeline.

What determines whether a case becomes EB-2 or EB-3?

The job requirements define the category, not the candidate’s resume.

  • EB-2 applies if the job requires a Master’s degree or Bachelor’s + 5 years of progressive experience.
  • EB-3 applies to Bachelor-level roles, skilled workers (2+ years experience), or other workers.

Other blogs for every step of your visa journey

H-1B Premium Processing Fee - How much does it cost?

10 mins read | Jan 20, 2026

EB-1A Visa Cost - How much does it cost?

10 mins read | Jan 19, 2026

EB-1A vs O-1A - which extraordinary ability visa is right for you?

10 mins read | Jan 18, 2026

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