O2 Visa Guide 2025

The O2 visa is a US nonimmigrant route for essential support workers who accompany O1 visa holders to the United States. O1 visas are reserved for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, athletics, arts, motion picture, or television industry. However, these individuals often rely on highly skilled assistants or long-standing collaborators who are critical to their performances or projects. The O2 visa exists to facilitate the lawful entry of such support staff, ensuring O1 holders can carry out their work in the US effectively.

What this article is about: This guide explains the O2 visa route in detail. It covers what the O2 visa is, who qualifies, how to apply, evidentiary requirements, costs, rights, and limitations. It also examines employer compliance responsibilities, restrictions on O2 visa holders, and key legal considerations for dependents under the related O3 visa route.

Section A: What is the O2 Visa?

The O2 visa is a temporary, nonimmigrant category under US immigration law. It allows foreign nationals who provide essential support to an O1 visa holder to accompany them to the United States. This category is strictly limited to individuals whose assistance is integral to the O1 principal’s work, such as technical crew, choreographers, coaches, or production staff.

1. Definition and purpose of the O2 visa

The O2 visa is not a stand-alone category. It exists only in relation to the O1 visa and is intended to ensure that individuals of extraordinary ability can rely on their established team members or support staff while performing in the US. The purpose is to maintain the continuity, quality, and integrity of the O1 holder’s work.

2. Relationship to O1 visa categories

The O2 visa can only be granted where the O1 visa holder is working in the fields of arts, motion picture, or television. It does not extend to O1A visa holders in the sciences, business, or athletics. Instead, O2 support is tied specifically to the O1B subcategories. This means that a producer, director, or designer with an O1B can bring their long-time technical or creative team into the US if their role is deemed essential.

3. Distinction from other visa routes

The O2 visa differs from other dependent or support classifications. For example, family members of O1 holders can apply for O3 visas, but these do not authorise employment. The O2 visa is unique in that it is designed exclusively for professional support workers whose skills cannot be easily replaced by a US worker. It is not a general employment visa and cannot be used to pursue work outside the O1-related activity.

4. Duration, extensions, and limitations

The O2 visa is granted for the same period as the O1 visa holder’s stay, usually up to three years initially. Extensions are available in one-year increments, but always linked to the O1’s authorised period of stay. Once the O1 visa ends, the O2 visa automatically expires. There is no route from the O2 visa to lawful permanent residence, as it is a non-dual intent category.

Section A Summary
The O2 visa plays a supporting role in US immigration law, designed to complement the O1 visa by enabling extraordinary individuals in the arts, film, and television to perform with their established teams. It is a narrowly tailored route with specific restrictions, distinct from family or independent employment categories. Understanding these boundaries is crucial for both O1 visa holders and their support staff.

Section B: Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the O2 visa, applicants must show they provide essential support to an O1 visa holder working in the arts, motion picture, or television industries. The framework is narrow to prevent misuse while ensuring O1 projects proceed with the right team.

1. Who can qualify as O2 support staff

An O2 applicant must be integral to the O1 principal’s performance or production. The role must require skills and experience not readily available in the United States. Typical profiles include long-time choreographers for dancers, specialist technical crew for stage or film, or a coach who has worked closely with the artist or performer. The core test is whether the O2’s contribution is required for the O1 to perform at the necessary standard.

2. Restrictions on who may apply

The O2 route is tied to O1B holders in the arts and entertainment sectors only. It is not available to accompany O1A holders in business, science, or athletics. While in the US, an O2 may not take on unrelated work and may support only the specific O1 named in the petition. Any change of employer or principal requires a new petition and approval before work starts.

3. Evidentiary requirements to prove essential support

USCIS requires robust evidence from the petitioning employer or agent to show why the O2’s involvement is necessary. Typical materials include:

• A written advisory opinion from an appropriate US labour organisation confirming the need for the O2’s role (generally mandatory unless a waiver applies)
• Contracts or letters confirming a longstanding working relationship with the O1 principal
• Statements from the O1 explaining the O2’s duties and why those skills are required
• Proof of specialised knowledge, training, or methods not readily found in the US labour market
• Evidence of prior collaboration, such as programmes, press materials, or production credits

4. Common reasons for refusal

• USCIS or a consular officer finds a qualified US worker could perform the role
• Insufficient proof of a unique or sustained working relationship with the O1 principal
• Weak or inconsistent evidence of the applicant’s specialised expertise
• Duties described fall outside what counts as O1-related “essential support”

Section B Summary
Eligibility for the O2 visa is tightly defined. Only support staff who can prove a necessary role for an O1B principal in arts, film, or television will qualify. Petitions stand or fall on evidence showing longstanding collaboration or unique expertise that cannot be readily replaced in the US.

Section C: Application Process

Applying for an O2 visa involves a petition to USCIS by the US employer or agent, followed by the foreign national’s consular visa application. The O2 petition is closely linked to the O1 principal’s case, and both are often filed together.

1. Employer petition stage (Form I-129 with O1 petition)

The US employer, agent, or sponsor must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with USCIS. The O2 petition is typically submitted alongside the O1 petition to demonstrate the relationship. Key filing requirements include:

• A written advisory opinion from an appropriate US labour organisation confirming the need for the O2’s role
• Evidence the O2’s skills are essential to the O1 principal’s activities in the US
• Details of the planned events, performances, or projects involving both the O1 and O2
• Contracts and documentation proving the working relationship

If USCIS is satisfied, it will approve the petition and issue Form I-797, Notice of Action.

2. Consular application stage and required documentation

Once the petition is approved, the O2 applicant applies for the visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. This step involves:

• Completing Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
• Paying the visa application fee
• Attending a consular interview with the I-797 approval notice, employment contracts, advisory opinion, and proof of ties to the home country

Consular officers assess whether the applicant qualifies and intends to comply with visa restrictions.

3. Processing times and premium processing options

Typical USCIS processing times for O2 petitions are two to three months. Employers may request premium processing by filing Form I-907 and paying an additional fee, which guarantees USCIS review within 15 calendar days. Premium processing only expedites USCIS adjudication; it does not shorten consular scheduling or security checks.

4. Costs and government filing fees

The key government fees in the O2 process include:

• Form I-129 filing fee: $460
• Asylum Program Fee: $600 (exempt for small employers with 25 or fewer employees, and for nonprofits)
• Premium processing fee: $2,805 (if elected)
• DS-160 visa application fee: $205

Employers should also budget for legal representation, courier services, and expenses linked to securing the advisory opinion.

Section C Summary
The O2 application process has two parts: the USCIS petition and the consular visa stage. Strong supporting evidence is key to success, and employers must plan for filing fees and timescales. Premium processing can speed up USCIS review but not embassy scheduling.

Section D: Rights and Limitations

The O2 visa allows essential support staff to accompany O1 holders in the arts, film, and television, but its use is tightly regulated. Applicants and employers must understand the rights and limits to stay compliant.

1. Work restrictions tied to O1 principal visa holder

An O2 visa holder may only work in connection with the O1 principal named in the petition. They cannot accept other employment or transfer to a different O1 holder without a new petition and USCIS approval. Their status ends if the O1 principal’s authorised stay ends.

2. Dependents under O3 visa category

O2 visa holders cannot bring family members under the O2 itself. Instead, spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for O3 visas. O3 dependents may live and study in the US but are not authorised to work. They may pursue their own visa routes if eligible.

3. No path to permanent residence (non-dual intent)

The O2 visa is a nonimmigrant category and does not allow dual intent. Holders must maintain the intention to return home after their stay. Applying for permanent residence while on an O2 visa may cause refusal of current or future applications.

4. Compliance obligations for US employers

Employers must ensure the O2 works only as described in the approved petition. Any material change to the O1 or O2’s role may require an amended filing. Non-compliance can result in petition revocation and penalties for the employer.

Section D Summary
The O2 visa is closely tied to the O1 principal’s work. It does not allow independent employment, O3 dependents cannot work, and it offers no route to a Green Card. Employers must monitor compliance carefully to avoid sanctions.

FAQs

Can O2 visa holders change employer?

No. O2 visa holders are authorised only to support the O1 principal named in the petition. To work for another O1 holder or a different employer, a new petition must be filed and approved by USCIS before employment begins.

How long can I stay in the US on an O2 visa?

The O2 visa is generally granted for the same period as the O1 visa, up to three years initially. Extensions may be granted in one-year increments if the O1’s status is extended and the O2 role remains essential.

Can O2 dependents work or study in the US?

O2 dependents enter under the O3 visa. They may live in the US and attend school or university but cannot work. To take up employment, they must qualify for and obtain a separate work visa.

Can O2 visa holders apply for a Green Card?

No. The O2 visa does not permit dual intent. Holders must maintain intent to return home once their authorised stay ends. Applying for a Green Card while on an O2 visa may lead to refusal or future inadmissibility.

Conclusion

The O2 visa is a focused route designed to let extraordinary talent in the arts, film, and television perform with the specialist support they rely on. Success turns on proving the support role is essential to the O1 principal, that skills are not readily available in the US, and that petition evidence is complete and consistent across the itinerary, contracts, and advisory opinion.

For employers and applicants, the compliance priorities are clear and practical:

• Plan early for the labour organisation advisory opinion and align it with the petition narrative
• Document the long-standing working relationship and the O2’s specialised methods or know-how
• Track any material changes to roles, projects, or itinerary and file amendments when required
• Budget for filing fees (including the Asylum Program Fee, noting small employer/nonprofit exemptions) and consider premium processing for USCIS only
• Factor in consular appointment lead times and preserve evidence of nonimmigrant intent

Used correctly, the O2 category enables continuity and quality for productions and performances in the United States. With precise evidence, careful scheduling, and ongoing compliance monitoring, sponsors and support staff can minimise risk and keep projects on track.

Glossary

Useful Links