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Work Visas
O-2 For Supporting Personnel
What is an O2 visa
The O2 visa is a non-immigrant US visa designed for individuals who accompany and assist primary O1 visa holders in their artistic or athletic activities.
This visa category is granted to those whose services are necessary for the successful completion of the O1 visa holder’s work.
The O2 visa is often used by technical workers, assistants, and other staff who play an important role in supporting the activities of O1 visa recipients.
What supporting documents are required for applying for an O2 visa
To apply for an O2 visa, you must provide a number of documents that confirm your professional significance and connection with the primary O1 visa holder. These documents include:
- The I-129 petition, signed by your employer or agent.
- A letter from your employer confirming the necessity of your presence.
- Evidence of long-term collaboration or unique skills required for the project.
- A copy of the petition approval notice from USCIS.
- The completed DS-160 form.
- A valid passport and photographs that meet the visa requirements.
- Evidence that you plan to return to your home country after the visa expires (e.g., proof of ties to your home country or future plans).
Benefits
The O2 visa offers several advantages for its holders:
- Talent support: The O2 visa allows professionals to accompany and support O1 visa holders, which is a crucial factor for the latter’s successful activities.
- Work in the USA: O2 visa holders can legally work in the US under the same conditions as their primary O1 visa holder.
- Multiple entries: The O2 visa is usually issued for the duration of the project, with the possibility of multiple entries into the US.
Limitations
However, the O2 visa also has certain limitations:
- Dependence on the O1 visa: Your right to stay and work in the US directly depends on the status of the primary O1 visa holder.
- Limited professional activity: Work on the O2 visa must be directly related to the activity for which the O1 visa was issued to your primary applicant.
- No path to citizenship: The O2 visa does not provide a direct path to permanent residency or US citizenship.
Who is eligible for an O2 visa
Obtaining an O2 visa is possible only for those actively involved in activities related to the primary O1 visa applicant.
- To be eligible for this visa, you must prove that your presence and participation are critically important for the O1 applicant's work.
- Additionally, your employer or sponsor must confirm the necessity of your accompaniment. This can be confirmed by having long-term professional relationships or unique skills that set you apart from regular qualifications.
What is the process for applying for an O2 visa
- The process of applying for an O2 visa begins with filing a petition I-129 with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) by your employer or agent. This step must be completed before you can apply for a visa at a consulate.
- After the petition is approved by USCIS, they will issue an approval notice, and you can proceed to the next stage – filling out the DS-160 form and scheduling an interview at the US embassy or consulate in your country.
- Typically, the application process and obtaining a visa take several months, so it's important to start early.
O2 Visa Processing Time
The processing time for an O2 visa can vary depending on the workload of the specific USCIS office and the US consulate. On average, the process of reviewing the I-129 petition takes between 2 to 3 months.
However, for expedited processing, you can opt for premium processing, which reduces the petition review time to 15 business days.
After the petition approval, preparing for and scheduling an interview at the embassy may take an additional few weeks.
How Much Does an O2 Visa Cost
The cost of applying for an O2 visa includes several types of fees:
- I-129 petition filing fee: $460.
- Premium processing fee (if desired): $2,500.
- Visa application fee at the consulate: $190.
These prices may change, so it is recommended to check the current information on the official USCIS website.
O2 Visa Extension
An O2 visa extension is possible if the primary O1 visa holder extends their visa. To do this, a new I-129 petition must be filed with the relevant supporting documents. It is important to start the process early, before the current visa expires. The O2 visa extension typically allows the holder to stay in the US for the same duration as the primary O1 visa holder.
