What is O Visa?
O Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows people with extraordinary abilities or achievements in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics to enter and work in the United States temporarily. The visa is also known as the O-1 visa or the O-2 visa, depending on the type of beneficiary.
Types of O Visa
There are two types of O visa: O-1 visa and O-2 visa.
O-1 visa
The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in science, education, business, or athletics, or for those who have demonstrated extraordinary achievement in the arts. To be eligible for an O-1 visa, the applicant must have received national or international recognition for their extraordinary abilities or achievements. The O-1 visa is valid for up to three years and can be extended.
O-2 visa
The O-2 visa is for individuals who will accompany an O-1 visa holder to assist in a specific event or performance. The O-2 visa holder must have critical skills and experience that are essential to the success of the O-1 visa holder’s performance. The O-2 visa is valid for the same period as the O-1 visa.
Requirements for O Visa
To be eligible for an O visa, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
Extraordinary ability or achievement
The applicant must have extraordinary ability or achievement in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. The applicant must have received national or international recognition for their abilities or achievements.
Petition
The applicant must have a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor who files a petition on their behalf. The petition must include evidence of the applicant’s extraordinary ability or achievement and a detailed itinerary of the work or event in the United States.
No dual intent
The applicant must show that they have no intention of immigrating to the United States permanently. This means that the applicant must have a residence in their home country that they have no intention of abandoning.
How to Apply for O Visa
To apply for an O visa, the applicant must follow these steps:
Step 1: Find a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor
The applicant must find a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor who is willing to file a petition on their behalf. The employer, agent, or sponsor must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 2: Gather evidence
The applicant must gather evidence of their extraordinary ability or achievement, such as awards, publications, or press coverage. The evidence must show that the applicant has received national or international recognition for their abilities or achievements.
Step 3: Prepare the petition
The U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor must prepare the petition and include the evidence of the applicant’s extraordinary ability or achievement. The petition must also include a detailed itinerary of the work or event in the United States.
Step 4: Submit the petition
The U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor must submit the petition to the USCIS. The USCIS will review the petition and may request additional evidence or information.
Step 5: Attend an interview
If the USCIS approves the petition, the applicant must attend an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. The applicant must bring all relevant documents, including their passport and the approval notice from the USCIS.
Step 6: Receive the visa
If the U.S. embassy or consulate approves the visa, the applicant will receive the visa in their passport. The applicant can then enter the United States and begin their work or event.
Conclusion
The O visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements to enter and work in the United States temporarily. To be eligible for an O visa, the applicant must meet certain requirements, such as having extraordinary ability or achievement and having a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor. The application process can be complex, so it is important to seek the advice of an immigration lawyer.
