O Visas
Millar + Hayes has experience preparing O visa applications for clients from a wide range of professional and artistic backgrounds. If you are interested in learning more about O, contact us or schedule a consultation.
Description
The O-1 visa is designated for persons of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business (including entrepreneurs), or athletics. There is no prevailing wage requirement, the O-1 visa may be extended indefinitely and there is no numerical limit to the number of O-1 visas issued each year.
Eligibility for O-1 Visas
Persons who wish to qualify for an O-1 visa must provide evidence of their extraordinary abilities. While the evidence will vary from one field to another and from one applicant to the next, the applicant must generally show that he or she has risen to the top of the field. Examples of evidence of extraordinary ability include:
- Awards and prizes
- Membership in associations that require outstanding achievement
- Notable publications in appropriate professional or scholarly journals or other media
- Significant original contributions to the field
- Employment at distinguished organizations in the field
Not everyone will qualify for an O-1 visa, and the best approach is to consult with an attorney before applying.
O-2 and O-3 Visas
The O-2 visa is designated for persons who accompany and assist an O-1 visa holder in a specific athletic or artistic event or in the motion picture or television industry. O-2 visas are not available for those who accompany or assist O-1 visa holders in education, science, or business. The applicant must demonstrate his or her skills and experience and importance to the event.
Spouses and children of the O-2 visa holder may obtain an O-3 visa. The O-3 visa holder is authorized to study but not to work in the U.S.