Yes, you can work on an O2 visa in the United States as it allows individuals to accompany and assist O1 visa holders who are in the country for artistic or athletic events.
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Yes, you can work on an O2 visa in the United States. The O2 visa is a non-immigrant visa category that allows individuals to accompany and assist O1 visa holders who are in the country for artistic or athletic events. The purpose of the O2 visa is to enable essential support personnel to work alongside the O1 visa holder during their stay in the United States.
Obtaining an O2 visa is a two-step process. First, the O1 visa holder must secure their own O1 visa, demonstrating their extraordinary ability in their field. Once the O1 visa is approved, the O2 visa beneficiary can apply for their accompanying O2 visa.
To qualify for an O2 visa, the individual must be an integral part of the O1 visa holder’s performance or event. They should possess critical skills and experience that cannot easily be replicated by a U.S. worker. It is important to note that the O2 visa is contingent upon the presence and participation of the O1 visa holder. If the O1 holder’s visa is terminated or expires, the O2 visa holder’s status may be affected.
Here are some interesting facts about the O2 visa:
- The O2 visa is specifically designed to support and facilitate the work of individuals accompanying O1 visa holders.
- O2 visa holders must have a pre-existing and substantial working relationship with the O1 visa holder.
- In addition to artists and athletes, O1 visa holders can include individuals in the motion picture and television industry, as well as those in the sciences, business, and education who exhibit extraordinary ability in their field.
- The O2 visa allows the beneficiary to work only in the specific activity or event for which they were admitted.
- Visa processing times can vary, so it is advisable to apply well in advance of the intended travel date.
- The O2 visa is initially granted for the duration of the O1 visa holder’s event or performance, with the maximum initial period being three years. Extensions may be possible.
- O2 visa holders are allowed to travel in and out of the United States or remain continuously for the duration of their visa validity.
In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” This quote resonates with the essence of the O2 visa, where individuals work diligently to support and enhance the endeavors of O1 visa holders, contributing their skills and expertise to create extraordinary experiences.
Table: Comparison of O1 and O2 visas
| Visa Category (O1 and O2) | Purpose | Duration | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| O1 Visa | For individuals with extraordinary ability | Initially up to 3 years | Extraordinary ability |
| O2 Visa | For support personnel of O1 visa holders | Contingent upon O1 visa | Integral part of event |
See the answer to your question in this video
The YouTube video titled “US O1 visa, requirements, application & processing time” explains the details of the US O-1 visa, which is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields. The video covers the eligibility principles, application process, required documents, interview process, and the validity of the visa. It also mentions the option to bring family members to the US under the O-3 visa and special rules for professional athletes. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to follow the Visa Library on social media for visa news and updates.
Other methods of responding to your inquiry
What is O-2 work visa? The O-2 work visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows essential support personnel of O-1 visa holders in the fields of athletics, entertainment, motion picture and television production to enter into the U.S. and engage in official activities.
An O-2 visa holder can work, live, and travel in the US, but they are completely dependent on the O-1 visa holder. The O-2 visa holder can only work for the O-1 principal holder and must prove that they are temporarily in the United States. The employer must send a completed Form I-129, Application for Nonimmigrant Worker to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to ensure that the O-2 visa holder can work in the US and assist the O-1 person with their work.
An O-2 alien has all the benefits of an O-1 visa holder, in that they are able to work, live, and travel in the US. However, they are completely dependent on the O-1 Visa holder, and if the O-1 Visa they applied with becomes invalid, so does the dependent O-2 Visa.
Visa holders can enter and leave the United States as many times as they want. Holders of the O2 visa can also enroll in part-time academic programs. Holders of the O2 visa can only work for the O1 principal holder and must prove that they are temporarily in the United States.
For the O2 visa holder, the employer must send a completed Form I-129, Application for Nonimmigrant Worker to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This form will ensure that you as the O2 visa holder can work in the US and assist the O1 person with their work.