USA Immigration

The O Visa category contains the following types of visas:

O-1 : Extraordinary Ability
Issued to persons of extraordinary ability, defined as “a level of expertise indicating that the individual is one of the small percentage who have risen to the very top of a field of endeavor”. This is usually in the fields of Science, Art, Education, Business or Athletics.

O-2 : Accompanying Alien
Issued to a person who is accompanying the principal O-1.

O-3 : Family
Issued to spouse or child of O-1 or O-2.

O Visa

Purpose:
allows individuals who have “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics to come to the U.S. temporarily to work; also allows individuals who have demonstrated “extraordinary achievement” in television or movies to come to the U.S. temporarily to work

Requirements:
(1) proof of your extraordinary ability or achievement; and
(2) a job offer or contract for work in the U.S.

Duration of Visa:
3 years or the amount of time necessary to complete your work, with the possibility of extensions in 1-year increments as needed

Description:
The O visa allows individuals who have “extraordinary ability” in the sciences, arts, education, business, or sports to come to the U.S. temporarily to work in their field. An O visa also may be issued to individuals who have demonstrated “extraordinary achievement” in television or movies and are coming to the U.S. temporarily to work in their field. In general, the terms extraordinary ability and extraordinary achievement mean that you have reached a very high level of expertise or achievement in your field of work. Evidence of your expertise or achievement can include, among other things, receipt of prizes or awards, membership in selective groups, published works or materials, or serving as a judge in the review of others’ work. For those involved in the arts, evidence of extraordinary ability may include, among other things, performing in distinguished productions and commercial or critical success. To get an O visa, you need a specific job offer or contract from an employer or an agent in the U.S. or abroad. With O status you are allowed to stay in the U.S. initially for a maximum of 3 years. Thereafter you may request extensions as needed. Unlike most other temporary visas, you may apply for an O-1 visa even if you have plans or have taken preliminary steps to settle permanently in the U.S.