O-Visa Categories

For workers with extraordinary abilities

Serving San Antonio, Austin and McAllen, Texas

The United States welcomes all manner of talented and accomplished foreign nationals to visit, perform and teach within its borders. To facilitate the entry of these special individuals, the U.S. government issues O-visas. Most recipients of O-class visas are internationally-recognized business professionals, artists, scientists, performers and athletes. During their lives, they have made significant contributions to their fields or to society at large. At the Gutierrez Law Firm, our O-visa lawyers stand ready to expedite these applications.

Types of O-Visas

There are two principal types of O-class visas. They are:

• O-1 Visa for individuals “of extraordinary ability” or achievement: These visas are reserved for individuals who possess extraordinary skills or have attained the pinnacle of success in their respective fields.
• O-2 Visa for individuals necessary to assist O-1 visa holders: These visas are reserved for support staff, assistants and others necessary to ensure the comfort and well-being of O-1 visa holders.

Although U.S. Customs and Immigration Services processes and issues these visas, the U.S. State Department often works with individual visa holders of particularly high stature. Some holders of O-1 visas require special arrangements for their visits to the United States. As such, anyone who needs to sponsor a potential O-1 visa holder should contact a competent immigration attorney to assist with the application process. The O-visa attorneys at the Gutierrez Law Firm specialize in procuring such entry clearances.

Who is Eligible for an O-Visa?

Although there are relatively few O-1 visas issued each year, this type of entry clearance may be extended to many different types of individuals. These include:

• Internationally-recognized artists and actors
• World-class competitive athletes
• Nobel laureates and prominent visiting scholars
• Award-winning researchers and scientists
• Multinational business leaders
• Elder statesmen

Other deserving individuals may also qualify for O-1 visas. Meanwhile, holders of O-2 visas must perform duties that are essential to the activities, routine or health of an O-1 visa holder. Common O-2 visa recipients include:

• Assistants to actors, directors and other show-business “talent”
• Nurses and other medical support staff
• Assistants and support staff for athletes and athletic clubs

Get the Help You Need

The O-visa lawyers at the Gutierrez Law Firm are dedicated to satisfying each of their visa-seeking clients. Since individuals who require O-class visas often adhere to grueling travel or performance schedules, it is crucial that they retain the services of a law firm that can cater to their needs. We specialize in expediting special visa requests and providing additional support services as the need arises.

To schedule a consultation with one of our experienced O-visa lawyers and to take advantage of our quarter-century of experience, call 210.225.7114.