How long does the approval of the I-129 take before going to the consulate?

The I-129 petition is one of the first and most important steps in the process of obtaining a P visa. This form is used to demonstrate to United States immigration that the beneficiary meets the specific requirements to work as an athlete, artist, or performer, according to the intended visa.

After the approval of this petition, the next step is usually to schedule and attend an interview at the American consulate. The processing time for the I-129 can vary greatly depending on factors such as the USCIS workload, the complexity of the case, and the choice for premium processing, when available.

Generally, the approval takes between two to three months, but it can be faster or slower in specific situations, such as requests for additional information. It is essential to monitor the deadlines on the USCIS website, strictly follow immigration laws, and consult reliable sources to avoid setbacks. Each case is unique, and expert guidance can be crucial for a safe and efficient process.

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.