Wait 90 days after entering on an O-1?
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The answers below are translated from the original Russian - the language of the community chats.
Nowhere in official public documents is anything written about 90 days. It is not even clear where this figure comes from. Nevertheless, everyone talks about it. Perhaps it is in some internal instructions - who knows.
Third-party websites consistently say that there is a distinction between single intent visas (B1/B2, TN, etc.) and dual intent visas, where it is initially assumed that a person has the right to immigration intent, and that the 90-day rule applies to the first group, not the second.
Formally, this will not be a violation, but it gives an extra argument for denial later. When you apply for an O visa, you are demonstrating to the consulate that you are not going to stay in the USA permanently, but once you arrive, you immediately file a petition for an immigrant visa - this does not add up. Consult with an attorney. I would wait three months; it is not such a long time, and I would apply for expedited processing. Why give unnecessary reasons to doubt your honesty before the law?
The rule about applying at least 3 months after entry is also not written anywhere, but all attorneys immediately mention it. Perhaps, there is some unwritten rule here. Meanwhile, my acquaintance applied less than 3 months later, and it was approved.
There are dual intent visas that allow pursuing immigration intentions and do not require proving to the consulate that you do not intend to stay. The O-1A and H-1B are indeed dual intent.
The answers are anonymized community experience from the public chats, not legal advice. Officers may decide similar cases differently.
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A reference page built from community experience, not legal advice. Requirements and practice change - verify on uscis.gov.
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