Aliens with Extraordinary Ability (O’s)
The O category is reserved for:
- Aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1);
- The artist’s or athlete’s support staff (O-2), and
- The O-1’s spouse and/or child(ren) (O-3).
To qualify, the alien must be coming to the U.S. to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. There is currently no annual cap on O visas.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Science, Education, Business, or Athletics)
The O-1 category applies to aliens coming temporarily who has extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television).
O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Arts, Motion Picture, or Television)
The O-1 category also applies to aliens who are coming temporarily and have extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
O-2 Support Personnel
The O-2 category applies to aliens accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. This person would be acting as an essential and integral part of the artistic or athletic performance of an O-1 artist or athlete because he or she performs support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1.
O-3 Dependents
Spouses and minor children (dependents) of O-1’s are admitted under O-3 status with the same restrictions as the principal. They may not work in the U.S. under this classification.
For details on how to apply for O-1, please check here for our O-1 checklist.
