O-1 & O-2 – Foreign National of Extraordinary Ability or Achievement in Sciences, Arts, Education, Business or Athletics (Back)

• The O visa category is available for: foreign nationals of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or
   extraordinary achievements in the motion picture and television field; those foreign nationals accompanying or assisting those in the first group;
   and family members. A foreign national in the O visa category may only be admitted into the United States to perform services in “specific,
   identified” events. O status may not be granted to a foreign national to enter the United States to free lance in the open market.

   Specifically, the O-1 visa is for those individuals possessing the extraordinary ability/achievement. There exist three different standards for O-1
   applicants. The most exacting standard applies to foreign nationals in the sciences, education, business, and athletics. A second, less rigorous
   standard applies to foreign nationals in the arts. Finally, an intermediate standard applies to foreign nationals with extraordinary achievement in
   the motion picture or television industries.

  The O-2 visa is available for those accompanying the principal O-1 foreign national to assist in his/her artistic or athletic performance or to assist
   him/her on a specific motion picture or television production. O-2 visa holders must maintain their foreign residence without having any intention
   of abandoning it.

   O-1 and O-2 visa holders may bring their spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 with them on O-3 visas. Dependents may not work
   while in O-3 status.