O Visa Overview

O Class Temporary Work Visa for Individuals with Extraordinary Abilities in the Sciences, Arts, Education, Business, or Athletics

The O visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa issued to individuals internationally recognized as having extraordinary abilities in the arts, sciences, education, business or athletics fields and coming to the United States to pursue further work in their field of ability.

On this page, you’ll find helpful information concerning requirements for an O-class visa, along with a profile of the application process for the O-1 visa.

What You’ll Find on This Page:

  • Who Qualifies for an O-Visa?
  • O-Visa Application Process
    • Visa application and forms
    • "Dual Intent" Application for O-Visa
    • Acceptable Proof of "Extraordinary Abilities" and "International Acclaim"
    • Visa Interview
    • Visa application fees
    • Entering the United States
  • Can I Bring Family Members into the United States on an O Visa?
  • Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an O Visa?

Who Qualifies for an O Visa?

According to the U.S. Code in the Immigration and Nationality Act, the O-1 visa may be granted to any foreign national who “has extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics which has been demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim.” O-1 visas are also available to those with international recognition in the specific field of film or television.

O-2 visas are also available to individuals who accompany O-1 visa holders in athletics, entertainment, motion picture and television production fields (not in science, business or education fields). To qualify for an O-2 visa, the individual must have a professional association with the primary visa holder and be an integral part of the primary holder’s central performance in the field. Unlike the O-1 visa, the O-2 visa does not allow “dual intent” application.

O Visa Application process

Visa Application and Forms

To begin with, you must have a petitioner hiring you to submit Form I-129, "Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker," and have it approved in order for you to complete a visa application. This form must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a peer group or professional in the field, vouching for the worthiness of the primary O visa applicant in his or her field.

If approved, the company or organization will be given Form I-797A or B, “Notice of Action,” which you must present with your valid passport along with your visa application.

As with any nonimmigrant work visa, the standard nonimmigrant applications must be completed and submitted for the O visa, detailing personal information and qualifications. These forms include Form DS-156, the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, as well as Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History. Some individuals, including all male applicants between 16-45 and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran (and other so-called “terrorist states”), will be required to complete a Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.

As with all nonimmigrant application forms, you must also possess a valid passport and submit a standard 2x2 photograph of yourself with your application.

“Dual Intent” Application for O Visa

Unlike other nonimmigrant work visas, the O-1 visa allows you to move to the United States with the intention of immigrating through applying for permanent resident status later on. This also means that there is no requirement to prove that you maintain a residence and job in your native country. Most nonimmigrant visas do not allow this provision.

The O-2 visa does not allow this provision, and applicants for this subclass of visa must prove established foreign residence to demonstrate that they do not intend to immigrate.

Acceptable Proof of “Extraordinary Abilities” and “International Acclaim”

Acceptable proof of "Extraoridanary Abilities" and "International Acclaim" includes a major prize such as the Nobel Prize, or three of the following proofs:

  • Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.
  • Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized experts in the field.
  • Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media.
  • Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the applicant's work.
  • Evidence of participation on a panel, or individually, as the judge of the work of others in the field.
  • Evidence in the form of 5 or 6 letters from prominent colleagues who can confirm the applicant's original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance to the field. The case is strengthened by letters from outside of the Harvard community and outside the U.S.
  • Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.
  • Evidence of commanding a high salary or other compensation for services (not academic positions).

Visa Interview

The application process involves an interview (for persons 14-79 years old) scheduled at the U.S. consulate or embassy where you applied after your application has been approved. At the interview, a digital fingerprint will be taken.

The wait time for an interview varies, and so it makes sense to schedule it as early as possible before you plan to leave. The State Department website provides a helpful waiting time list for consulates around the world to help you plan on when your interview will be scheduled.

You may also apply for a change of status if you are already in the United States on a different work visa, and, in this case, you may apply at a local USCIS office, without having to leave the country to apply and interview at a U.S. embassy in your country of residence.

Visa Application Fees

On January 1, 2008, the Department of State raised the fees for visa services. The current application fee for any visa is $131. If your application is approved and your visa is issued, you will also be charged a “visa issuance” fee of an additional $131.

Entering the United States

At the port of entry, you must present your O visa and passport, and the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Individuals with O visas are presumed to have "dual intent," meaning that officials assume that they intend to immigrate to the United States by changing status to permanent residency when able.

An O visa grants an initial period of stay of up to three years.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an O Visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be classified as a nonimmigrant visitor to accompany or join you, under the O-3 status. They may apply as an attachment to your O visa application, or separately, with proof of the original O visa.

However, anyone who receives a visa as spouse or child of a temporary worker may not accept employment in the United States; you as the main applicant must show that you are able to support your entire family throughout your stay.

Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an O Visa?

Yes. You may apply for a renewal of your visa by filing Form I-129 once again with USCIS before your current visa expires. 

Extensions may be granted for the O class visa for one year, with an indefinite number of renewals allowed. Both subclasses, O-2 and O-3, can be applied for as long as the primary O-1 remains valid. Both must be applied for separately from the primary O-1 visa.

Need Help Applying for an O Visa?

The application process for an O visa can be difficult, especially with the flood of documentation needed to prove that elusive concept of “extraordinary ability.”

If you'd like to speak with an immigration representative, simply fill out our free, online Immigration Case Evaluation Form.