O Visa

The O Visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities, their essential support staff, and dependent family members. These visas allow you to live and work in the U.S. under specific conditions, based on your field of expertise and relationship to the primary visa holder.

The O Visa category includes three types:

• O-1 Visa: For individuals with extraordinary ability in fields such as arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
• O-2 Visa: For essential support staff accompanying O-1 Visa holders.
• O-3 Visa: For dependents (spouses and children) of O-1 Visa holders.

This visa category provides a unique opportunity for highly skilled professionals, artists, and performers to contribute to the U.S. economy while advancing their careers in a global context.

The O-1 Visa is a non-immigrant, employment-based visa for individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability in their field. Whether you are an artist, scientist, professor, business executive, or athlete, this visa is tailored to bring top talent into the U.S. to work on significant projects. There are two subcategories:

• O-1A: For those in the fields of science, education, business, or athletics.
• O-1B: For individuals in the arts or entertainment industry.

To qualify, applicants must show evidence of their extraordinary achievements and a job offer from a U.S. employer or agent. The O-1 Visa allows for flexibility, such as working for multiple employers under an agent, making it ideal for those who may take on multiple projects or freelance roles. Additionally, support staff and family members may accompany the O-1 visa holder under related visa categories.

Read more about the O-1 Visa →

O-2 Visa
The O-2 Visa is reserved for essential support staff of O-1 Visa holders. These are professionals whose presence is critical to the success of the O-1 visa holder’s work in the U.S. The O-2 Visa requires applicants to demonstrate a long-standing working relationship with the O-1 visa holder and that their role is integral to the O-1 holder’s continued success in the U.S.

For instance, a makeup artist for a film actor or a key technical support role for a performing artist may qualify for this visa. The O-2 Visa application is directly tied to the O-1 Visa application, and the O-2 status remains valid only as long as the O-1 visa holder maintains their status.

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O-3 Visa
The O-3 Visa is available for spouses and children (under 21) of O-1 Visa holders. While O-3 Visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S., they are free to live, travel, and study during their stay. This visa provides a pathway for family members to accompany their loved ones while they pursue extraordinary opportunities in the U.S.

The O-3 Visa application is generally submitted after the O-1 Visa is approved, and like the O-2 Visa, the validity of the O-3 is dependent on the continued status of the O-1 Visa holder. It’s important to note that once a child turns 21, they age out of the O-3 Visa and must apply for a new visa to maintain legal status.

Read more about the O-3 Visa →

Application Process and Legal Support

Our team simplifies the visa application process by handling all documentation and ensuring all criteria are met, from petition preparation through to the USCIS approval. We also assist in securing necessary advisory opinions from peer groups or experts in your field.