<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="O-2"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>O-2</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Form I-129</span><span>Foreign residence required</span></div> <h1><span>O-2</span> Essential Support for an O-1 Artist or Athlete</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For support personnel who are an integral part of an O-1 artist’s or athlete’s performance and have critical skills and experience with that person that others don’t have.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/o-2">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 3 years, tied to the O-1’s event</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>Up to 1 year at a time</dd></div><div><dt>Who it supports</dt><dd>O-1 artists, athletes, film/TV productions</dd></div><div><dt>Consultation</dt><dd>Labor organization (plus management for film/TV)</dd></div><div><dt>Beneficiaries per petition</dt><dd>Up to 25</dd></div><div><dt>USCIS filing fee</dt><dd>$1,055 ($530 small employer or nonprofit)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>Not available for science, business or education.</strong> O-2 support is limited to O-1 <strong>artistic or athletic performances</strong> and film or TV productions. O-2 workers may not accompany O-1s in science, business or education (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(4)(i)</a>).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">O-2 covers people coming temporarily and solely to assist in an O-1’s artistic or athletic performance. They must be an integral part of the actual performance, with critical skills and experience with the O-1 that are not general in nature and that a U.S. worker does not have (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(4)(ii)</a>).</p> <p class="b">For a <strong>motion picture or TV production</strong>, the O-2 must have critical skills and experience with the O-1, based either on a long-standing working relationship or, for a specific production, on significant production taking place both inside and outside the U.S. with the O-2’s continued participation essential to completing it.</p> <p class="b">O-2 workers must keep a residence abroad that they do not intend to abandon. They need a separate petition from the O-1, filed alongside the O-1’s services, and can work only in support of that O-1. An O-2 can change employers only when the O-1 does.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">Supporting an O-1 artist or athlete</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Coming to assist in the O-1’s performance and be an integral part of it.</li><li>Critical skills and experience with the O-1 that are not general in nature and that a U.S. worker does not have.</li><li>Evidence of current essentiality and substantial experience performing these support services for the O-1.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Supporting an O-1 in film or TV</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A pre-existing, long-standing working relationship with the O-1, <strong>or</strong></li><li>For a specific production: significant production (including pre- and post-production) both inside and outside the U.S., where continued participation is essential to completing the production.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Always</h3> <ul class="b"><li>A residence abroad the person has no intention of abandoning.</li><li>A written consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the skill area, plus a management organization for film/TV.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>As long as needed to help the O-1 accomplish the event or activity, up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">3 years</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>In increments of up to 1 year, plus 10 days.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Admission</th><td>Validity period plus up to 10 days before and after; work only during the validity period.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Linked to the O-1</th><td>An O-2 may change employers only together with the principal O-1.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">The petitioner pays the USCIS fees, and each applicant pays visa fees at the consulate. Amounts are from the USCIS fee schedule (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee schedule</a>. O petitions do not carry the H-1B/L fraud or 9-11 fees.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee (O petition)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,055</a></td><td>Petitioner (employer or agent)</td><td>$530 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees) and nonprofits. An O-1 petition covers one person; an O-2 petition can name up to 25.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees); $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907, optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional. USCIS acts within 15 business days. The fee has applied since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 1, 2026</a>.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$205</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Per person, for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas, including each O-3 family member applying abroad. Not needed for visa-exempt Canadians.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged only to some nationalities, based on reciprocity; many pay nothing.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Advisory-opinion (consultation) letters are issued by private peer groups, unions or management organizations, which may charge their own fees; these are not government fees. The Visa Integrity Fee (at least $250) created by Public Law 119-21 is not listed in the State Department fee regulation; DHS said on <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 22, 2025</a> that it “will be implemented in a future publication.”</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional, for an extra <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>. The clock restarts if USCIS issues a request for evidence.</dd></div><div><dt>Recommended filing time</dt><dd>45 days before start</dd><dd class="n">USCIS advises filing at least 45 days before employment begins, and no more than <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one year</a> before the services are needed.</dd></div><div><dt>Standard processing</dt><dd>Varies</dd><dd class="n">See current <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a> for Form I-129.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">O petitions are not capped and can be filed at any time of year. After approval, applicants outside the U.S. book a visa appointment; wait times vary by embassy.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Confirm the O-1 petition</div><div class="tx">The O-2 petition must be filed in connection with the O-1’s services. It is a separate petition, not part of the O-1 filing.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Obtain consultation</div><div class="tx">Get a written opinion from a labor organization in the skill area (and a management organization for film/TV) addressing essentiality, the working relationship and whether U.S. workers are available.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-129</div><div class="tx">The employer or agent files Form I-129 with the O and P Supplement. Up to 25 O-2s supporting the same O-1 for the same events, period and location can be named on one petition.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for the visa</div><div class="tx">After approval, each O-2 completes Form DS-160, pays the visa fee and attends an interview, showing ties to a residence abroad.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Enter and work only in support</div><div class="tx">O-2 workers may work only as support for the named O-1, during the validity period.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the petitioner</h3><ul><li><span>Form I-129 with the O and P Classifications Supplement.</span></li><li><span>Statement of the O-2’s essentiality, critical skills and experience with the O-1.</span></li><li><span>Labor (and, for film/TV, management) organization consultation.</span></li><li><span>Contract or summary of terms, and the itinerary for the events.</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>From the beneficiary</h3><ul><li><span>Evidence of past work with the O-1, such as credits, tour records and employer letters.</span></li><li><span>Valid passport, DS-160 confirmation and evidence of a residence abroad.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an O-1 or O-2 worker may receive <strong>O-3</strong> status for the same period of admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(o)(6)(iv)</a>).</p> <p class="b">O-3 family members <strong>cannot work</strong> in the U.S. in that status, but they may study full-time or part-time (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS</a>).</p> <p class="b">Family members already in the U.S. extend or change to O-3 status on Form I-539 ($470 on paper, $420 online, per the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fee schedule</a>).</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">O-2 is not a dual-intent classification: the worker must keep a foreign residence they do not intend to abandon. There is no direct green card path from O-2 status; any immigration would need its own basis, such as employer sponsorship or a family petition.</p> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/o-1b"><div class="c">O-1B</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability in the arts or film/TV</div><div class="tx">The principal classification most O-2 crews support.</div></a><a href="/visa/o-1a"><div class="c">O-1A</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability (athletics and more)</div><div class="tx">O-2 can support O-1A athletes, but not science, business or education.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-1b"><div class="c">P-1B</div><div class="n">Entertainment group member</div><div class="tx">Groups and their essential support (P-1S) use the P route instead.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-1a"><div class="c">P-1A</div><div class="n">Internationally recognized athlete</div><div class="tx">Athletes and teams; essential support can be included in P-1S petitions.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can an O-2 support a scientist or business executive?</summary><p>No. O-2 is only for support in an O-1’s artistic or athletic performance or a film/TV production, not for O-1s in science, business or education.</p></details><details><summary>Can O-2 workers be included on the O-1 petition?</summary><p>No. They need a separate petition, but several O-2s assisting the same O-1 for the same events, period and location can share one petition (up to 25 named people).</p></details><details><summary>Can an O-2 work for someone else while in the U.S.?</summary><p>No. O-2 status allows work only in support of the specific O-1, and the O-2 can change employers only when the O-1 does.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/o-1-visa-individuals-with-extraordinary-ability-or-achievement" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(o)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(o) — Aliens of extraordinary ability or achievement</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 9, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New edition of Form I-129 (09/09/26).</strong> USCIS published a new Form I-129 edition. Petitions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Nov. 9, 2026 must use the 09/09/26 edition; the 02/27/26 edition is accepted until then. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 12, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment: the Form I-907 fee for I-129 petitions in L, O and P (and most other) classifications increased from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, entry of nationals of additional countries was fully or partially suspended. Full suspensions cover nonimmigrant visas, including employment categories; partial suspensions cover B, F, M and J visas and shorten validity of other nonimmigrant visas. Limited exceptions apply. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Narrower visa interview waivers.</strong> Effective Oct. 1, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, generally need an in-person consular interview. Waivers remain mainly for diplomatic and official visa classes and certain B-1/B-2, Border Crossing Card and H-2A renewals; consular officers may still require an interview in any case. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 22, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee: not yet implemented.</strong> Public Law 119-21 (July 4, 2025) created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 payable when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. DHS stated the fee “requires cross-agency coordination before implementing” and “will be implemented in a future publication.” <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Fully suspended entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from 12 countries and partially suspended entry from 7 others, effective June 9, 2025. Later amended by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 31, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>USCIS fee rule sets separate I-129 fees and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> Effective April 1, 2024, Form I-129 fees vary by classification, with reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, plus a new Asylum Program Fee paid by I-129 petitioners. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/o-2">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "O-2", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/o-2"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can an O-2 support a scientist or business executive?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. O-2 is only for support in an O-1’s artistic or athletic performance or a film/TV production, not for O-1s in science, business or education."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can O-2 workers be included on the O-1 petition?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. They need a separate petition, but several O-2s assisting the same O-1 for the same events, period and location can share one petition (up to 25 named people)."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can an O-2 work for someone else while in the U.S.?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. O-2 status allows work only in support of the specific O-1, and the O-2 can change employers only when the O-1 does."}}]}]</script> <script>(function(){var l=[].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.vt-toc a'));if(!l.length||!window.IntersectionObserver)return;var m={};l.forEach(function(a){m[a.getAttribute('href').slice(1)]=a});var cur=null;function on(id){if(cur)cur.classList.remove('on');cur=m[id];if(cur)cur.classList.add('on')}on(l[0].getAttribute('href').slice(1));var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(x){if(x.isIntersecting)on(x.target.id)})},{rootMargin:'0px 0px -70% 0px'});Object.keys(m).forEach(function(id){var el=document.getElementById(id);el&&io.observe(el)})})();</script>