O-2 VISA

O-2 Visas are designed for aliens who will accompany and assist in the artistic or athletic or entertainment, motion picture and TV performance and production of an O-1 alien or aliens. This status is not applicable to personnel in the sciences, business or education. The O-2 aliens must have a foreign residence which they have no intention of abandoning.

The O-2 Visa holder's spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are permitted to accompany the applicant to the United States, under an O-3 status. The petitioner should file a petition on their behalf. The dependents must prove immediate relation to the O-2 Visa holders. They are allowed to attend school or university in the U.S., but are not allowed to work unless they individually obtain a work visa.

Procedures

The O-2 Visa is not a self-petitioned visa. It must be petitioned by a petitioner who could be a U.S. employer, U.S. agent or foreign employer through a U.S. agent. The petitioner should submit Form I-129 with INS with jurisdiction over the state in which the alien intends to work. The form should be filed-in at least six months before the alien applicant plans to move to the U.S.

More than one O-2 application may be included on the same petition, if all parties are helping the same O-1 applicant for the same events or performances, during the same period of time and at the same location.

Forms and Documents

Applicants must provide the following documents:

Visa application Form OF-156.
One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.
Establishment of the demonstration of nonimmigrant intent. The applicant must prove that he will return to his home country.
An official agreement between the alien applicant and the petitioner detailing the terms and conditions of the services.
An agreement between the alien applicant and the O-1 visa holder that proves the professional relationship between two parties.
Proof of a previous professional relationship with the O-1 visa holder.
Proof that the alien applicant has capacity to assist the O-1 visa holder.