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Immigration Has No Borders
Successfully Where
Immigration Has No Borders
Frequently Asked Questions on O Visa
What is an O visa?
An O visa is a non-immigrant visa category reserved for individuals who possess extraordinary ability or achievement in their field, including the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics.
There are three types of O visas:
O-1A visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics.
O-1B visa: for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
O-2 visa: for individuals who accompany and assist O-1 visa holders in their performances or events.
Individuals who have reached the top of their field and have sustained national or international acclaim in their area of expertise may be eligible for an O visa. They must provide evidence of their extraordinary ability or achievement, as well as a job offer or contract from a U.S. employer.
Evidence may include awards, prizes, recognition from peers or organizations, memberships in prestigious associations, publications, media coverage, or significant contributions to the field.
Yes, individuals who are self-employed may be eligible for an O visa if they can demonstrate that they have an ongoing employment relationship with a U.S. employer or agent who will sponsor their visa application.
Yes, O-1 and O-2 visa holders can bring their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to the United States as dependents on O-3 visas. Dependents are allowed to study in the U.S. but are not permitted to work unless they obtain their own work authorization.
O-1 and O-2 visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions in one-year increments as long as they continue to meet the requirements for the visa.
Yes, O visa holders can change employers, but the new employer must file a new petition on the employee's behalf and obtain approval from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Yes, O visa holders may be eligible to apply for a green card through employment-based immigration pathways if they meet the eligibility criteria for permanent residency.
The process for obtaining an O visa involves several steps, including preparing and submitting the necessary visa application documents, obtaining a job offer or contract from a U.S. employer or agent, attending an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and complying with any additional requirements specified by the consulate.
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