O-2 visas: an overview

The O-2 visa is commonly known as an assistant visa. Generally, it allows support staff who are accompanying an O-1 visa holder and assisting in the O-1 visa holder's work.

Requirements for an O-2 visa:

To qualify for an O-2 visa, the assistant must meet the following requirements:

1. The assistant must be a vital part of the O-1 visa holder's skill or performance;
2. The assistant must have critical skills and experience that cannot be performed by others;
3. In some cases, the O-2 needs a long-standing working relationship with the O-1 worker;
4. The O-2's duties cannot be performed by an available U.S. worker.

How an O-2 visa is filed:

An employer still must file the O-2 petition on behalf of the alien. The O-2 petition must be based off of a valid O-1 petition. After the petition(s) has been approved by the USCIS, the alien will then apply for the O-2 visa. When granted, the alien may travel to the U.S.

*An O-2 visa must be paired with an O-1 visa. Read about the O-1 visa here.*

The experienced and skilled immigration attorneys at Shihab and Associates are prepared to assist you in obtaining an O-2 visa. We can work with sports teams, large universities, and many others. No matter what your issue, Shihab and Associates is ready to guide you through the process. To set up an initial consultation please contact us.