The O category is reserved for:
- Aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics (O-1),
- the artist's or athlete's support staff (O-2), and
-
the O-1's spouse and/or child(ren) (O-3).
O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Science, Education, Business, or Athletics)
The O-1 Visa category applies to aliens coming temporarily who have extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including the arts, motion pictures or television, described below) To qualify, the alien must be coming to the U.S. to work in his or her area of extraordinary ability or achievement. There is currently no annual cap on O visas.
O-1 Extraordinary Ability (Arts, Motion Picture, or Television)
The O-1 category also applies to aliens who are coming temporarily and have extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.
The O-2 category applies to aliens accompanying an O-1 artist or athlete to assist in a specific event or performance. This person would be acting as an essential and integral part of the artistic or athletic performance of an O-1 artist or athlete because he or she performs support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance of the O-1.
O-3 Dependents
Spouses and minor children (dependents) of O-1's are admitted under O-3 status with the same restrictions as the principal. They may not work in the U.S. under this classification.