Define: O Visa

An O visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who possess extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who have a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.

To qualify for an O visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability or achievement in your field through sustained national or international acclaim. You must also have a job offer from a U.S. employer who will sponsor your visa application.

The process for obtaining an O visa involves the U.S. employer filing a Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Once the petition is approved, you can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

An O visa is initially valid for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions in one-year increments.

Yes, O-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under the age of 21 to the U.S. as dependents on an O-3 visa.

Yes, O visa holders can change employers, but the new employer must file a new Form I-129 petition on your behalf.

Yes, O visa holders can apply for a green card (permanent residency) if they meet the eligibility requirements.

If your O visa application is denied, you may have the option to appeal the decision or reapply with additional evidence to support your eligibility.

O-1 visa holders can work only for the employer who sponsored their visa. If you want to work for a different employer, that employer must file a new Form I-129 petition on your behalf.

Yes, you can apply for an O visa while in the U.S. on a different visa, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements for the O visa.