START PREPARING EARLY FOR THE BEST CHANCES OF RENEWAL

Your visa expires in 1 year - What to do today

Contributor

Tukki

Reading time

3 mins read

Date published

Jan 17, 2025

Time flies when you’re having fun, right? But if you’re in the US on a temporary visa, what happens when the clock starts ticking toward the expiration date of your current status?

If you’re within a year of your visa’s expiration, it’s time to act. Here’s when to get started and how to navigate the process.

US visa transitions take an unknown amount of time

This isn’t your first visa so you know that changing or extending a temporary visa involves more than filling out forms—though that part can be time-consuming! Visa petitioning is a complex process that requires preparation, documentation, and, often, navigating government processing delays. For example, Requests for Evidence (RFEs) to provide more proof of your eligibility can extend a timeline by weeks or even months.

Depending on the type of visa or US green card you’re transitioning to, you should budget time to meet with your immigration lawyer and gather the necessary evidence to make a strong petition. Letters of recommendation, proof of achievements, and other documentation aren’t built overnight.

12 months aren’t as long as they seem

One year might sound like plenty of time, but here’s the reality:

  1. Processing times are unpredictable. The US immigration system often faces backlogs, so what’s listed as “typical processing time” may not reflect real-time delays or extenuating circumstances on temporary visa renewals.
  2. Preparation eats into your timeline. From collecting evidence to consulting with immigration lawyers, you might need months to ensure everything is ready to submit even if you work with a full legal team.
  3. You risk overstaying extensions and having to leave the US. Extensions and transitions aren’t guaranteed. Even with a strong case, immigration authorities can take time to approve—or question—your petition. Starting early buffers any unexpected hurdles.

The last thing you want is to have to uproot your life due to red tape and bureaucratic delays.

A visa timeline calculator can help

Planning your next steps can feel overwhelming, but that’s where tools like this timeline and visa calculator come in. It’s designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect for your specific visa or US green card process, including how long each step typically takes, verified by US immigration lawyers.

Whether you’re thinking about transitioning to a US green card or extending your current visa, this tool can help you identify when to start and avoid rushing critical steps.

Proactive action = peace of mind

The earlier you start, the more control you’ll have over your immigration journey, especially because a consultation with an immigration lawyer can give you a roadmap for improving your profile, so when it’s time to apply, you’re ready. There are several steps you can take to improve your eligibility, but some can take months—so it’s better to know in advance and plan ahead.

Moreover, waiting too long can lead to last-minute stress, rushed applications, or even gaps in your legal status. By taking action now, you’ll have time to:

  • Build a strong, well-documented petition.
  • Avoid unnecessary premium processing fees.
  • Navigate challenges, including RFEs, without rushing.

What’s your next step?

If you’re within a year of your visa’s expiration, schedule a consultation with Tukki’s legal team to explore your options, plan your timeline, and get the support you need for a seamless visa transition.

Your future in the US doesn’t have to be uncertain—start early, plan ahead, and choose Tukki’s immigration lawyer to make it a premium experience.

WE CAN HELP

Need more clarity?

Find quick answers to frequent visa questions from our legal experts

Is it the same to do a change of status within the U.S. vs getting a visa abroad?

Not exactly. You can enter the U.S. in one status (e.g., tourist visa) and then request a change of status to another (e.g., O-1A). However:

1. This only changes your status inside the U.S.

2. If you leave the country, you’ll need to visit a U.S. consulate abroad to obtain a visa stamp before reentering.

3. At that consular interview, officers may question your initial intent at the time of entry.

While changing status avoids an immediate trip abroad, we generally recommend consular processing from the start to avoid complications later. However, there are certain situations in which a change of status could be the best solution.

Can an entrepreneur or startup founder apply for an H-1B visa?

Yes. The agency requires a legitimate employer-employee relationship, which typically involves the ability to “hire, pay, fire, supervise, or otherwise control the work” of the beneficiary.

This often requires a board of directors or independent investors with decision-making authority over the founder’s employment.

What is the difference between a visa and a green card?

A visa allows you to enter and stay in the U.S. for a specific purpose and duration (e.g., work, study, tourism).

A green card is permanent residency: it lets you live and work in the U.S. indefinitely, travel more freely, and eventually apply for citizenship.

Is health insurance in the US necessary to apply for a visa?

Health insurance isn’t necessary in order to obtain a visa in the US.

However, it is recommended you plan for this expense for as soon as you arrive in the US.

Do master’s degree holders get two chances in the lottery?

Yes. Individuals with a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution of higher education receive two chances in the H-1B lottery.

They are first entered into the regular H-1B cap of 65,000 and, if not selected, entered again into the H-1B master’s cap of 20,000.

Other blogs for every step of your visa journey

How does the H-1B Lottery work for 2026 registrations?

12 mins read | Feb 2, 2026

EB-1A processing time - how long does it take?

7 mins read | Jan 29, 2026

O-1A visa processing time - how long does it take?

7 mins read | Jan 28, 2026

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