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O2 Visa Services | Support Staff for O1 Visa

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What is the O2 Visa?

Support Staff for O1 Visa Holders in the United States

The O2 visa is available for individuals who provide essential support services to O1 visa holders while they are working in the United States. Unlike the O1 visa, which requires extraordinary ability, the O2 visa focuses on the essential nature of your support role and your relationship with the principal O1 visa holder. This visa category recognizes that talented individuals often need specialized support staff to perform at their highest level. Whether you're a choreographer, personal assistant, technical crew member, or specialized support personnel, the O2 visa may be your pathway to working in the United States.

Fill In The
Required Form

Begin your journey by completing our secure O1B Visa assessment form. This helps us understand your artistic background, achievements, and eligibility for the visa. Our experts will review your submission and guide you through the next steps tailored to your unique profile.

Submit Your
Original Documents

Provide us with key documentation that highlights your artistic talent—such as awards, media features, letters of recommendation, or contracts. We’ll assist you in compiling a compelling portfolio that showcases your extraordinary ability in your artistic field.

Get The O1B Visa Resource Material

Once you're on track, we’ll equip you with exclusive resources that include petition preparation tips, expert guidance, and USCIS-approved templates. We make the visa process smooth and stress-free, ensuring your talents reach new heights in the U.S.

Who Qualifies for an O2 Visa?

Eligibility Requirements To qualify for an O2 visa, you must meet specific criteria that demonstrate your critical role: Essential Support Role: Your work must be integral to the O1 visa holder's performance or production. You cannot be replaced by readily available U.S. workers, and your skills must be essential to the successful completion of the work. Field Limitations: O2 visas are not available for those who accompany or assist O1 visa holders in education, science, or business. The visa only applies to support staff for O1 visa holders in athletics, arts, film, or television. Prior Working Relationship: You typically need to demonstrate a substantial pre-existing professional relationship with the O1 visa holder. This shows that your support is specifically suited to their needs. Critical Skills: Your skills and experience must be essential to the O1 visa holder's work. Generic support that could be easily replaced does not qualify. Temporary Stay: You must maintain a residence abroad and intend to return after your authorized stay in the United States.

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O2 Visa Benefits

  • Work Authorization: Legal permission to work in the United States in your support capacity
  • Multiple Entries: Ability to travel in and out of the U.S. during your authorized stay
  • Family Accompaniment: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for O3 dependent visas
  • Extension Possibilities: Renewable status as long as the O1 visa holder maintains their status and requires your services

O2A Visa - Athletic Support

The O2A visa is for support personnel accompanying O1A athletes. This includes:
1.Athletic trainers and coaches
2.Sports therapists and medical staff
3.Equipment specialists, and
4.Performance coordinators


O2B Visa - Arts and Entertainment Support

 The O2B visa covers support staff for O1B visa holders in arts, film, and television: For Arts: Essential personnel who are integral to the artistic performance. For Film/Television: Support staff with critical skills and substantial experience in the motion picture or television industry

Documents Required for O2 Visa

 1.Form I-129 with O supplement.
2.Explanation of support services needed
3.Itinerary of events or activities.
4.Contracts or employment agreements

O2 vs O3 Visa: Understanding the Difference

O2 Visa: For essential support staff who work with the O1 visa holder.
O3 Visa: For spouses and children of O1 or O2 visa holders who cannot work but can study.

Frequently asked Questions

  • Can I apply for an O2 visa without an O1 visa holder?

    No, the O2 visa specifically requires that you are supporting an O1 visa holder. You cannot apply independently.

  • How long does the O2 visa application take?

    Standard processing takes 2-3 months. With premium processing, USCIS review takes 15 business days. Additional time is needed for visa interview scheduling and processing.

  • Can my family come with me on an O2 visa?

    Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for O3 dependent visas. They can study but cannot work in the United States.

  • Is the O2 visa renewable?

    Yes, the O2 visa can be extended in one-year increments as long as the O1 visa holder maintains their status and continues to need your support services.

  • What happens if the O1 visa holder's visa is cancelled?

    If the O1 visa holder's status is terminated or expires, your O2 status automatically ends as well. Your authorization to remain in the U.S. depends on the principal visa holder.

  • Can I change employers while on an O2 visa?

    You cannot simply switch employers. Your new employer must file a new Form I-129 petition. You may begin working for the new employer once the petition is approved.

  • Do I need extraordinary ability for an O2 visa?

    No, you do not need to demonstrate extraordinary ability. You must show that you provide essential support services and have a substantial pre-existing relationship with the O1 visa holder.

  • Can I work for other employers while on an O2 visa?

    No, you can only work for the petitioning employer and only in support of the specific O1 visa holder named in your approved petition.

  • What is the difference between O2A and O2B visa?

    O2A is for support staff of O1A athletes. O2B is for support personnel in arts, entertainment, film, or television. The key difference is the field of work.

  • Can I apply for a green card while on an O2 visa?

    Yes, you can apply for permanent residency while maintaining O2 status. The O2 visa allows dual intent, meaning you can pursue immigration while in nonimmigrant status