O2 VISA

The O2 visa is designated for persons that accompany and assist an O1 visa holder in a specific athletic or artistic event or in the motion picture or television industry. O2 visas are not available for those who accompany or assist O1 visa holders in education, science, or business.

Spouses and children of the O2 visa holder may obtain an O3 visa to enter and remain in the US. The O3 visa holder may attend school but if he or she wishes to work, he or she must change his or her status to obtain a work visa.

Essential support personnel of O1 visa holders.

An O2 classification applies to an accompanying alien who is coming temporarily to the United States solely to assist in the artistic or athletic performance by an O1. The O2 alien must:

1. Be an integral part of the actual performances or events and possess critical skills and experience with the O1 alien that are not of a general nature and which are not possessed by others; or
2. In the case of a motion picture or television production, have skills and experience with the O1 alien which are not of a general nature and which are critical, either based on a preexisting and long standing working relationship or, if in connection with a specific production only, because significant production (including pre- and post-production) will take place both inside and outside the United States and the continuing participation of the alien is essential to the successful completion of the production.