If you are fortunate enough to have been born with exceptional talent in the arts, science, education, business, or athletic sectors, you should consider applying for the O-1A visa.
Are you an individual who is exceptionally talented and successful in the film and television industry? Obtaining an O-1B visa will permit you to work in the United States.
If your assistant must accompany you to the US, the O-2 visa will allow for this. If you would like to have your family with you while working in the US, consider the O-3 visa.
Who Qualifies or is Eligible for the O-1 Visa Program?
To be eligible for the O-1 Visa, applicants must possess an extraordinary ability in either the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and have been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements.
The O-1 Visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa program for individuals or family members and business owners who possess extraordinary abilities. Within the O-1 visa category, applicants can apply for the O-1A, O-1B, O-2, or the O-3 visa.
What is the O-1 Visa Program?
The O-1 Visa is the overarching program within the O-1, applicants may apply for the O-1A, O-1B, O-2, or O-3.
O-1 Visa Categories
As noted above, O-1 is the visa program name and within this program, you may qualify for one of the following visas:
O-1A is for people who have extraordinary abilities or skills in science, education, business or athletics.
O-1B is for people who have extraordinary abilities or skills in the arts or for people who have attained great success and extraordinary achievements in the film and television industries.
O-2 is for people who manage, assist and accompany an O-1 visa holder, for example, an athletic coach who must accompany an athlete to a sports competition. O-2 is not available to family members.
O-3 is for the spouse, child, or children of an O-1A, O-1B, or O-2 visa holder. O-3 is not available for individuals or businesses.
What is the Difference Between an O-1 and an O-1A and an O-1B?
The O-1 is the main program name and within the O-1 program, an individual can apply for an O-1A or an O-1B.
O-1A Visa - This visa is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics. The O-1A is not for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, motion pictures or television industry. For an O-1A, the O-2’s assistance must be an “integral part” of the O-1A’s activity.
O-1B Visa - This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry. For an O-1B, the O-2’s assistance must be “essential” to the completion of the O-1B’s production.
What are the O-2 and O-3 Visa Categories?
The O-2 Visa (also known as O-2 Petitions: Personnel Accompanying O-1B Artists) is for supporting personnel of O1 Visa Holders. These are individuals who will accompany an O-1 - an artist or athlete, to assist in a specific event or performance. The O-2 worker has critical skills and experience with the O-1 that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and are essential to a successful performance of the O-1individual.
The O-3 Visa (also known as O-3 Visas For The Family of O-1 and O-2 Work Visa Holders) is for dependents of O1 and O2 Visa Holders - For family members who are a spouse or a child or children of O-1’s and O-2’s.
