O & P VISAS
The O Visa
Aliens with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, arts, motion picture or television may be eligible to apply for the O-1 visa. This visa allows the alien worker to enter the US to work temporarily in his/her field of extraordinary ability or achievement.
For the alien with extraordinary ability in the arts or athletics, he may be accompanied by other aliens who form an essential and integral part of the performance of the artist or athlete. These supporting personnel are eligible for the O-2 visa.
The O-1 alien may also include dependents such the spouse and minor children. They may enter on the O-3 visa. However, work is not allowed.
The P Visa
There are 3 types of P visas:
- The P-1 visa is available to aliens coming to the US temporarily to perform at a specific athletic event as an athlete or to perform as members of a foreign-based entertainment group.
- The P-2 visa covers alien artists or entertainers coming to the US to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the US and one outside the US.
- The P-3 visa is for aliens who are coming to the US temporarily to perform or teach in events and activities that are culturally unique.
Support personnel who are an essential and integral part of the performance may also accompany the aliens.