Visa Categories

O-Visas - Persons with Extraordinary Ability & Members of the Entertainment Profession

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O Visas (Also see P Visas for athletes, artists & entertainers)

The O visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business and athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production, and their essential support personnel.  O visas are temporary work visas granted for a specific event such as a tour, lecture series or project or for a temporary work contract.

Only individuals (not groups) qualify for the O-1 visa category.  However, for athletes and members of the entertainment industry, a provision exists whereby aliens who are an integral part of the performance, and have skills and experience which are not available in the United States location, may apply for O-2 visas to accompany the O-1 visa holder.

Do you qualify for an O visa?

O visa employment must be approved in advance by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States on the basis of a petition, form I-129, filed by the employer with the USCIS Service Center. For more information, visit USCIS at www.uscis.gov.

What happens once a petition has been approved by USCIS?

If an O petition has been approved in your name you will be required to apply for a visa before traveling to the United States. The Notice of Action, form I-797A or B, is not valid for travel unless accompanied by the appropriate visa.

Spouses, Children & Partners

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative O-3 visas.  To qualify for a dependent visa, applicants must bring civil documents to prove relationship to the principal applicant, i.e. spouses: original marriage certificate, children: original birth certificate.  Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

Working on an O-3 visa

The holder of an O-3 visa may not work on a derivative visa. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa will be required.