Do I need to submit my passport to USCIS for the O-1?

In general, no. In the O-1 process, USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) typically reviews the petition and the supporting documents, but the passport itself is not usually submitted to that agency.

USCIS works with the review of forms, evidence of extraordinary ability, and other supporting documentation. The passport usually comes into play at a later stage, for those going through the consular process: during the interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy, where the visa is issued and the passport is stamped.

Depending on your situation, there may be specific guidance or additional steps involved. For that reason, read all instructions you receive carefully and follow official procedures. When in doubt, confirm with the official source (USCIS) or a qualified professional to avoid relying on misleading information.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.