United States•North America2 weeks – 4 months
Varies by processing route
USD $1,035–$4,825
Varies by filing options
3 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Employer or agent
Work
Remote not required
Accompanies an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. Must be integral to the O-1's activity.
The O-2 is a US visa for support personnel who accompany a named O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. It permits work in the United States only in a role that is integral to the O-1 principal's activity.
Initial admission is for up to 3 years, with unlimited 1-year extensions. There is no annual cap or green card pathway. Spouses and children under 21 may join on O-3 status but cannot work. The petitioner is a US employer or agent; premium processing (I-907) costs $2,965.
This visa is ideal for performers, technicians, and crew members with a pre-existing critical support role alongside a specific named O-1 artist or athlete.
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| Standard | 2–4 months |
| Premium Processing | 2–3 weeks |
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Must accompany and assist a specific, named O-1 visa holder in artistic or athletic performances
Must be an integral part of the actual performance — not general support
Must have critical skills and experience specific to the O-1 beneficiary that are not of a general nature
Must demonstrate skills not possessed by available US workers
Must maintain a foreign residence with no intention of abandoning it
For motion picture/TV productions: significant production must have occurred outside the US and will continue inside the US
For film/TV O-2s: continuing participation must be essential to successful completion of production
O-2 classification is only available to support O-1A (athletics only) or O-1B (arts/entertainment) holders — not available for sciences, business, or education
Completed Form I-129 with O/P/Q Classification Supplement
Written consultation/advisory opinion from appropriate labor organization or peer group (mandatory)
For motion picture/TV: consultations from both a labor organization AND a management organization
Evidence of O-2 beneficiary's critical skills and substantial experience working with the specific O-1 beneficiary
Evidence demonstrating the O-2's essentiality to the O-1's performances or productions
For film/TV: evidence of significant production outside the US with continuation inside the US
Written contracts or performance/production itineraries
Evidence of the O-1 beneficiary's events, performances, or activities
Valid passport (beneficiary)
DS-160 confirmation page
I-797 approval notice
MRV fee payment receipt
Passport-style photo meeting DOS specifications
| I-129 Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker | Fill online |
| I-907 Request for Premium Processing Service | Fill online |
| DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | Fill online |
| I-539 Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status | Fill online |
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