Will USCIS require an in-person interview for my O-1?

In most cases, no. The USCIS review of an O-1 petition is based primarily on the documentation that supports your achievements, so the adjudication is typically conducted on the submitted evidence, without an in-person interview.

That said, USCIS may, in specific situations, request an interview when it determines that a point needs clarification or that additional information is required. This is the exception, not the rule, for this category.

It helps to distinguish two stages that are sometimes confused:

• the petition review by USCIS, which is generally documentary;
• consular processing, for applicants outside the United States, which may include an interview at an embassy or consulate.

In other words, even if no interview is required at the petition stage, those who need to obtain the visa abroad may still go through a consular interview. To understand what applies to your situation, consult the official guidance and, if needed, speak with a specialist.

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.