Helping Extraordinary Talent Nationwide Succeed
O‑2 visas allow essential support professionals to accompany O‑1 artists, motion picture/television professionals, and athletes to the United States. These visas are designed for individuals whose skills are critical and not of a general nature, enabling seamless productions, tours, and performances. (Note: There is no O‑2 classification for O‑1 holders in the sciences, education, or business.)
At D’Alessio Law, we provide precise, evidence‑driven guidance to secure O‑2 visas for studios, production companies, agents, touring entities, and elite talent worldwide. From union consultations to USCIS filings and consular processing, our team helps you move fast and stay compliant.
What Is an O‑2 Visa?
The O‑2 nonimmigrant category is for support personnel coming solely to assist a specific O‑1 principal in the arts, motion picture/TV, or athletics. O‑2 beneficiaries:
- May work only in direct support of the named O‑1; no independent work or side projects.
- Are tied to the O‑1’s itinerary and authorized activities.
- Must depart or extend if the O‑1’s engagement ends or changes.
Who Qualifies for O‑2?
For Non–Motion Picture/Television Productions
You must show you:
- Are coming to assist in the performance of the O‑1 beneficiary; and
- Are an integral part of the actual performance; and
- Have critical skills and experience with the O‑1 not of a general nature and not possessed by a U.S. worker.
For Motion Picture & Television Productions
You must show you:
- Possess critical skills and experience with the O‑1 based on a pre‑existing, long‑standing working relationship, or for the specific production because significant pre‑ and/or post‑production will occur both inside and outside the U.S.; and
- Your continuing participation is essential to completing the production successfully.
Evidence should establish current essentiality, critical skills, and substantial past experience supporting the O‑1. For film/TV, document significant production activities outside the U.S. and the need for continuity inside the U.S.
Required Union/Management Consultations
- All O‑2 petitions require a written advisory opinion from the appropriate labor union.
- Film/TV O‑2 petitions require opinions from the relevant union and the management group.
D’Alessio Law coordinates and packages these opinions to squarely address essentiality and non‑generalized skill requirements.
The O‑2 Visa Process with D’Alessio Law
- Strategy & Evidence Map: We evaluate roles, prior collaborations, itinerary, and production needs; identify gaps early.
- Advisory Opinions: We liaise with the appropriate union(s)/management to obtain targeted letters.
- Petition Filing (Form I‑129): Filed by a U.S. employer or U.S. agent (including business managers acting as agents). Agents can file for multiple employers when properly authorized.
- Consular Processing: After USCIS approval, the beneficiary applies for the visa at a U.S. embassy/consulate (DS‑160, interview). Canadian citizens apply for admission in O status at a port of entry.
- Admission & Compliance: We brief you on work limits, travel, and documentation to carry for ports, set‑side projects, and location moves.
Premium Processing is available for many O petitions. We prioritize clean filings to reduce RFEs and keep timelines predictable.
Period of Stay, Grace Periods, and Extensions
- Initial validity: Up to 3 years per approved itinerary.
- Grace periods: Up to 10 days before start and 10 days after end of validity; no work during grace days.
- Extensions: Up to 1 year increments to continue the same event/activity.
- New/expanded engagements: Extensions up to 3 years may be granted when supported by contracts and itinerary.
- No overall maximum by statute; continued O‑2 status requires ongoing essential support of the O‑1.
Dependents & Travel
- O‑3 status is available for spouses and unmarried children under 21 (study allowed; no work authorization).
- Maintain valid passports/visas and carry copies of the O‑1/O‑2 approval, contracts, and itinerary when traveling.
- Coordinate consular stamping and re‑entry timing around production schedules.
Common Pitfalls We Avoid
- Submitting generic job descriptions that don’t prove non‑generalized, critical skills.
- Missing or weak union/management opinions.
- Itinerary gaps or vague dates/locations.
- Agent filings without proper authorizations/contracts for all employers.
- Insufficient proof of long‑standing collaboration (or of cross‑border production needs in film/TV).
We build dossiers that pre‑empt these issues and stand up to USCIS scrutiny.
Why Work With D’Alessio Law?
- Industry‑specific focus: Entertainment and athletic mobility, from live tours to studio features.
- Recognized leadership: 2017 Leader in Law (Los Angeles Business Journal); 2018 Enterprising Woman Award.
- Global perspective: We coordinate multi‑country schedules, union practice, and embassy nuances.
- Transparent, responsive: Clear scopes, timelines, and communication with production, talent, and agents.
FAQs: O‑2 Support Visas
Can I get an O‑2 to support an O‑1 in science, education, or business?
No. The O‑2 category is limited to supporting O‑1s in the arts, motion picture/television, and athletics.
Can I freelance or take side gigs while in O‑2 status?
No. Employment is restricted to the O‑1’s authorized activities and entities listed in the petition.
Who files the petition?
A U.S. employer or U.S. agent files the I‑129 with USCIS. Agents may file for multiple employers if properly authorized.
How long does it take?
Timelines vary by union response, case complexity, and consulate workload. Premium Processing can expedite many I‑129 adjudications.
Is O‑2 a path to a green card?
No direct path. Some beneficiaries later qualify under other employment or family‑based categories.
Contact Our O‑2 Visa Lawyer Today
Don’t risk avoidable RFEs or production delays. Contact D’Alessio Law to scope your O‑2 strategy, align union opinions, and file a crisp petition.
Based in Beverly Hills, D’Alessio Law proudly serves clients throughout Los Angeles, Dallas, Toronto, and nationwide.