Let’s learn what is O2 visa, its requirements, and how to apply for one in detail.
What is an O2 Visa for USA? Explained
An O2 Visa is a visa that is offered to individuals who are the spouse or child of an individual who holds an O1 Visa. The O2 Visa allows the spouse or child to stay in the United States for the same period of time as the individual who holds the O1 Visa.
It may be taxing to figure out which immigration program would work best for your situation. Every aspect of your present position has to be carefully considered. Unless you wish to face unintended repercussions, this guide will hopefully shed light on the O2 visa and help you decide whether or not it is the best option for you.
O2 Visa for USA: Can You Apply?
An O2 Visa is a visa that is offered to individuals who are the spouse or child of an individual who holds an O1 Visa.
The O2 visa is a nonimmigrant visa category for foreign nationals who want to visit the United States for a short period of time and are related to O1 visa holders.
It’s made for children, spouses, who accompany O1 visa holders such as celebrities, artists media personalities, and other creative endeavors. In other words, the O2 visa is conditional on the O1 visa holder’s continued legal status.
However, professionals in the fields of education, business, and science are not eligible for the O1 visa.
O2 Visa Benefits
One of the key benefits of applying for an O2 visa is that your application will likely be accepted quickly. Obtaining some sorts of visas might be more challenging than others. Having this benefit is a possibility.
The flexibility to enter and leave the United States at will during the validity period of an O2 visa is another possible perk. Because of this, you may relax and enjoy life.
You may also apply for O3 visas on behalf of accompanying family members if you possess an O2 visa.
O2 Visa Restriction
You must also show that you do not intend to give up your visa and permanently settle in the United States.
The O2 visa has restrictions that are worth noting, as is the case with other visas (including the O1). One of the requirements is proof of a long-term overseas residency. You must also show that you do not intend to give up your visa and permanently settle in the United States. Aside from that, you’ll need to show that your time in the United States, including any intentions for employment, is transitory.
Furthermore, the legislation mandates that you collaborate with the O1 principal. Suppose you are granted an O2 visa; your responsibility while in the United States will be to offer assistance to those in need. Therefore, you must fulfill this requirement.
Who is Eligible for an O2 Visa?
Only those people are eligible for O2 visa who would be aiding or working with O1 visa holders.
As was said up front, the O2 visa is meant for those who would be aiding or working with O1 visa holders. For more information on this subject, please refer to the subsection about the O2 visa prerequisites.
O2 Visa Conditions
At the same time, you must be an integral element of the O1 visa holders’ job or performance. To qualify for an O1 visa, you must demonstrate that you have the requisite knowledge and expertise to do the job.
Working with other O1 visa holders is another condition of this visa type. That is to say; the law does not let you to work in a different subject even if you have the necessary abilities and competence to do so. You’ll need to show that you have a permanent residency in a nation other than the United States and that your job in the United States is just temporary.
Application Process for O2 Visa
It is important to know that your US employer must legally submit a form I-129, commonly known as an Application for Nonimmigrant Worker, for you to apply for an O2 visa. In order for your petition to be granted, your employer will need to submit the necessary paperwork on your behalf.
When applying for a visa, you must also supply certain documentation. You may get a DS-156 application for a visa right here. Your passport’s expiration date must be at least six months after your planned departure from the United States.
We’ve previously told you that you must prove that you want to return to your own country. There needs to be evidence for this. Between the O1 visa holder and the O2 visa applicant, there must be a service agreement outlining the terms and circumstances of the service. It is also important to show that your connection is professional.
Processing Time For O2 Visa
Time required to get an O2 visa after applying varies by nation. This will also be impacted by the amount of work being done at the embassy representing your home country. Two to three months is the average processing time, however. The other option is to pay more to have your application prioritized. However, there is a price to pay for this convenience. You should think about paying the charge if the case is urgent.
What Is the Fees of an O2 Visa?
The visa application cost is $460 and must be paid before your application can be processed. In order to go forward with your application, you must provide this fee. You must maintain the proof of payment that you have received.
O2 Visa Renewal
If your company is willing to apply for your O2 visa extension, you may stay in the country for another two years. Furthermore, as the O2 visa is regarded as employer-specific, the renewal is issued annually.
Duration of O2 Visa
The O2 visa is valid for six months only. You will have to apply for extension if you want to continue your stay on an O2 visa.
How to Extend O2 Visa?
If you want to extend your O2 visa, you will need to go through the process of applying for a new visa. This will involve submitting paperwork, paying fees, and scheduling an interview with a US embassy or consulate. If you are approved, you will receive a new visa that will allow you to stay in the United States for an additional period of time.
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