Behind every person with extraordinary abilities or achievements working in the United States on an O-1 visa, there’s often a whole team offering essential support. This is where the O-2 visa comes in. It is a US non-immigrant visa designed for support staff, allowing them to accompany and assist O-1 artists, athletes, scientists, educators, or business professionals during their time in the US.
At Remitly, we know that international work often involves complicated arrangements, including managing your finances across borders. This guide aims to give you a clear understanding of the O-2 visa process, eligibility criteria, required documentation, common challenges, and the benefits associated with this unique visa category, so you can make your application armed with the right information.
What is an O-2 visa?
The O-2 visa is for anyone who is going to accompany an O-1 artist or athlete (O-1B visa holder) to assist in a specific event or performance, or who will accompany an O-1 individual in science, education, or business (O-1A visa holder) if their support is a key part of the O-1A’s activity.
Defining the O-2 visa and its critical role
An O-2 visa is for foreign nationals who are coming to the US temporarily and with the sole purpose of assisting in the artistic or athletic performance of an O-1B visa holder, or to provide essential support that is an integral part of the activity of an O-1A visa holder. It has to be a role that a US worker couldn’t carry out, or one that requires critical skills and experience not of a general nature.
It sounds quite complex, but essentially the role of O-2 personnel is to enable O-1 visa holders to successfully fulfill their engagements or perform their specialized work in the US.
Examples of support personnel who might qualify include:
For O-1B (Arts/Athletics): Stage managers, lighting technicians, specialized coaches, makeup artists, or musicians who are integral to a principal O-1 artist’s or athlete’s performance.
For O-1A (Science/Education/Business): Research assistants, specialized technicians, or other key support staff whose skills and knowledge are critical to the O-1A individual’s work and who have a significant prior working relationship.
Key benefits
Enables O-1 success: Allows O-1 visa holders to have their essential support team with them, which is often great for their performances or projects in the US.
Legal US stay: Provides a lawful way for critical support personnel to live and work (strictly for the O-1) in the US.
Family accompaniment (O-3 Visas): O-2 visa holders are eligible to bring their spouse and unmarried children under 21 to the US under the O-3 visa program. O-3 visa holders can study but cannot work in the US (if you plan to send money home while working in the US, Remitly offers secure transfer services).
Eligibility requirements for an O-2 visa
Qualifying for an O-2 visa hinges on the specific nature of the support needed and the existing relationship with the O-1 principal.
Who qualifies for an O-2 visa?
To be eligible for an O-2 visa, the applicant must show that:
- They are accompanying and assisting an O-1 visa holder: The O-2 applicant’s purpose in the US must be directly tied to supporting the O-1 principal.
- Their services are “essential” or an “integral part” of the O-1’s activity or performance:
- For O-1B support: The O-2 individual must possess critical skills and experience with the O-1B artist or athlete that are not of a general nature and are essential to the successful outcome of the O-1B’s performance. These skills must have been acquired through a lengthy period of working together.
- For O-1A support: The O-2 individual’s assistance must be an integral part of the O-1A’s activity, and they must possess skills and experience that are not readily available among US workers.
- They have a foreign residence which they have no intention of abandoning.
Key documentation needed for eligibility
Letter from the O-1 visa holder or their employer/petitioner: This letter must detail why the O-2 support role is essential, describe the O-2 applicant’s core skills and experience, and confirm the prior working relationship (especially for O-1B support).
Evidence of prior working relationship or testimony of expertise:
For O-1B support, evidence must show a history of working together on performances or events. For O-1A support, evidence should demonstrate the O-2 individual’s unique qualifications and how they are indispensable to the O-1A’s project or work.
Proof of contractual obligations and ties to specific events: Contracts between the O-2 applicant and the O-1 principal or petitioner, and itineraries for specific events or performances, are absolutely necessary.
Consultation letters (if applicable): Depending on the field, a written advisory opinion from an appropriate US labor union or peer group regarding the nature of the work and the applicant’s qualifications may be required.
The O-2 visa application process: step-by-step guide
The O-2 visa application is closely linked to the O-1 principal’s petition.
Step 1: Sponsoring employer files Form I-129 for the O-1 and O-2
The US employer, agent, or petitioner files Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for both the O-1 principal and the O-2 support personnel. The O-2 petition cannot be filed independently; it must be associated with an O-1 petition. It can be filed at the same time as the O-1 petition or subsequently (if the O-1 petition has already been approved).
Step 2: Evidence demonstrating critical services
The I-129 petition for the O-2 applicant must include comprehensive evidence showing that their services are critical and, where applicable, cannot be readily performed by a US worker. This includes the documentation mentioned in the eligibility section.
Step 3: Once approved, the applicant completes Form DS-160 and pays the fees
If USCIS approves the Form I-129 petition (issuing an I-797 Approval Notice), O-2 applicants who are outside the US must then apply for the O-2 visa stamp at a US embassy or consulate. This involves:
- Completing Form DS-160, Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.
- Paying the non-refundable visa application fee.
Step 4: Schedule and attend a visa interview
Applicants will need to schedule and attend a visa interview at the US embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
Step 5: Attend the interview with the necessary documentation
Make sure to bring all required documents to the interview, including:
- Passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee receipt
- I-797 Approval Notice for the O-2 petition (and a copy for the O-1 principal)
- Proof of relationship to the O-1 visa holder and documentation of their O-1 status
- Evidence of your essential role, critical skills, and prior working relationship, as submitted with the I-129 petition.
- Job-specific details and itinerary for the events/performances.
Typical timelines, processing times, and costs
I-129 processing with USCIS: Standard processing can take several months. Premium Processing Service (for an additional fee, currently $2,805, check current USCIS fees) is available for Form I-129, which requests processing within 15 calendar days (this timeframe can be extended by USCIS in certain cases).
Consular processing (visa stamping): Varies by embassy/consulate, from a few weeks to several months.
Costs: USCIS filing fees for Form I-129 (currently $460 for O petitions, but subject to change; verify current fees on the USCIS website), premium processing fee (if used), and visa application fees at the consulate. Attorney fees, if applicable, are separate. When planning for these expenses, see Remitly’s guide on effective budgeting.
Common challenges and solutions for O-2 visa applicants
Navigating the O-2 process can get quite complicated. Here are a few common challenges and how to cope with them.
Proving the necessity or uniqueness of services provided
Gather extensive and compelling evidence. This can include detailed written statements from the O-1 visa holder, employer, and industry experts explaining why your specific skills are indispensable and not easily found; records of prior collaboration (contracts, photos, programs, reviews); endorsements or consultation letters from relevant labor unions or peer groups; and evidence of unique knowledge related to the O-1’s specific performance, project, or equipment.
Aligning the application timeline with the O-1 visa
Since the O-2 is dependent on the O-1, their applications must be coordinated. Ideally, file the O-1 and O-2 petitions concurrently with USCIS. If filing separately, ensure the O-2 petition references the approved O-1 petition. Plan well in advance to allow for both USCIS and consular processing times.
Understanding the visa’s limitations
The O-2 visa is tied to specific events or the O-1’s approved itinerary and is not a general work visa. Clearly outline event schedules, locations, and contractual obligations in the application. Ensure the O-2 applicant understands they are only authorized to work for the O-1 beneficiary/petitioner as specified in the approved petition.
O-2 visa validity and extensions
The O-2 status is directly linked to the O-1 principal’s stay.
Duration of the O-2 visa
The O-2 visa is granted for the same period as the O-1 visa holder’s authorized stay, which is initially for the time necessary to accomplish the specific event, tour, or activity, for a maximum of up to three years.
Extensions available
Extensions are possible in increments of up to one year to continue or complete the same event or activity for which the O-1 and O-2 status was initially granted. The extension application (Form I-129) must include evidence of the ongoing relationship and the continued necessity of the O-2 support.
Rights and limitations for O-2 visa holders in the US
Understanding your status is key to a compliant and stress-free stay in the US.
Permitted activities
O-2 visa holders are authorized to work in the US only for the O-1 beneficiary and/or petitioner as specified in the approved O-2 petition. Their work must be directly related to supporting the O-1’s approved activities or events.
Restrictions
No independent work: O-2 visa holders cannot engage in any employment outside of their approved O-2 role.
Tied to O-1 status: If the O-1 principal’s status ends or they depart the US, the O-2 dependent’s status also generally ends.
Specific events/itinerary: Employment is tied to the events, performances, or projects detailed in the petition. For general financial resources for newcomers, see Remitly’s guide for new immigrants in the US.
FAQ
What qualifies as “essential support personnel” for an O-1 Visa holder?
For O-1B (arts/athletics), it’s someone with critical skills and experience not of a general nature, essential to the O-1B’s performance, based on a pre-existing, lengthy working relationship. For O-1A (science/education/business), it’s someone whose assistance is an integral part of the O-1A’s activity, possessing critical skills not readily available among US workers. The role must be more than just general assistance.
Can O-2 Visa holders bring their families to the US?
Yes, the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an O-2 visa holder can apply for O-3 visas to accompany or follow to join them in the US. O-3 visa holders can study but are not allowed to work.
How long does the O-2 Visa application process typically take?
The timeline includes USCIS processing of the Form I-129 petition (which can be several months, or 15 days with premium processing) plus consular processing for the visa stamp if applying from abroad (which can vary from weeks to months). It’s best to start the process well in advance to avoid any frustrating delays.
What evidence do I need to prove my role is critical to the O-1 Visa holder’s work?
Strong evidence includes detailed letters from the O-1 individual or petitioner, contracts, itineraries, evidence of prior work collaboration (especially for O-1B support), consultation letters from appropriate US peer groups or labor organizations, and any documentation showing your unique skills or knowledge directly relevant to the O-1’s specific activities.
Are there restrictions on changing jobs or roles while on an O-2 Visa?
Yes. The O-2 visa is tied to the specific O-1 beneficiary and the petitioner who filed the O-2 petition. You cannot change employers or substantively change your role without filing a new or amended petition with USCIS. You are only authorized to work for the O-1 individual/entity as specified in your approved application.