For entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals applying for U.S. non-immigrant visas like E-2, L-1, or O-1, one of the most pressing questions is:
“How long will it take to get my visa approved?”
The answer depends on several factors including the visa type, the completeness of your documentation, whether premium processing is used, and whether your case is flagged for administrative processing.
In this article, Marsan Akguc Law Firm outlines how long U.S. visa approval usually takes based on real-time data and experience across multiple categories.
How Does Processing Time Vary by Visa Type?
Each visa type has its own unique processing timeline due to differing application procedures, paperwork volume, and consular requirements.
| Visa Type | Application Route | Average Approval Time |
|---|---|---|
| E-2 | Consular/USCIS | 3–8 weeks / 15 days with premium |
| L-1 | USCIS + interview | 2–4 months / 15 days with premium |
| O-1 | USCIS + consulate | 3–12 weeks |
| EB-5 | Investment-based | 18–30 months |
| IEP | Startup parole | 30–90 days |
Premium processing, available for certain visa types, guarantees a USCIS decision within 15 calendar days for an additional fee.
Average Review Time for E-2, L-1, and O-1 Visas
E-2 Investor Visa
If applying via a U.S. consulate, most E-2 visas are approved within 3 to 5 weeks, assuming documentation is thorough and complete.
L-1 Intracompany Transfer Visa
Standard processing takes 2 to 4 months, depending on caseload and location. Premium processing speeds this up to 15 days.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability Visa
Most O-1 petitions are adjudicated within 3 to 12 weeks, though complex applications may take longer. Consular interviews follow approval.
How Soon After the Interview Will I Get My Visa?
Following a successful U.S. consulate interview, your passport is usually returned with the visa stamp in 3 to 10 business days.
However, some cases are placed in Administrative Processing, which involves further review or additional documentation requests and may delay issuance.
What Is Administrative Processing and How Long Does It Take?
Administrative Processing is a temporary hold placed on your visa application for additional security checks or document verification. It may be triggered by:
- Previous visa overstays
- Dual nationality or complex travel history
- Sensitive work fields or national security concerns
- Incomplete or ambiguous documentation
This step can take anywhere from 5 business days to 6 months, with an average resolution time of 30 to 60 days.
At Marsan Akguc Law Firm, we help clients resolve these requests efficiently by preparing strong supplemental documentation and responding promptly to consular queries.
How Long Does It Take to Reapply After a Visa Refusal?
If your visa application is denied, the next steps depend on the reason for refusal:
- Document-based denial (e.g., missing forms): You can reapply as soon as documents are ready.
- Section 221(g) refusal: Additional documents must be submitted before further review—no need to reapply from scratch.
- Full refusal after interview: A waiting period of at least 6 months is typically recommended. New evidence and stronger case presentation are essential.
Important: Always consult with legal professionals before reapplying. At Marsan Akguc Law Firm, we perform a detailed review to ensure the strongest re-submission strategy.
The Right Timing + Right Guidance = Success
Visa approval times can vary widely. But the more organized, complete, and legally supported your application is, the faster it will move through the system.
Let Marsan Akguc Law Firm support your journey with expert guidance, document review, and representation—so you can focus on your next move to the U.S.