O Visas

Dedicated Boston Attorneys Serving Your Business Immigration Needs

Each year, many foreign nationals seek to live and work in the United States. There are several types of non-immigrant work visas that each have their own requirements. At Maiona Ward, P.C., our Boston business immigration lawyers have helped foreign nationals worldwide with their needs, and we can assist you too. We are here to answer all your questions and address any of your concerns.

Pursuing Legal Status in the U.S. through an O Visa

Congress has created a variety of specialized temporary work visa classifications to allow foreign nationals to work in the United States. The O visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for those seeking short-term admission to work in this country. O visa petitions must be approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The O visa has several classifications.

The O-1A visa is designed for individuals who possess an extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics. Extraordinary ability is shown through “sustained national or international acclaim.” Put another way, individuals who wish to qualify for an O-1A visa must provide documentation that their experience and expertise makes them among the best in their field.

The O-1B visa is for persons who have extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry, as shown by a demonstrated record of acclaim. The individual should provide documentation that his or her achievements have gained substantial recognition.

The O-2 visa is for individuals who will accompany an O-1 artist or athlete in a specific event or performance. Individuals seeking O-2 visas must demonstrate that they are a core part of the performance, and that they have critical skills and experience that are extremely valuable and cannot be easily replaced. In other words, an O-2 applicant must show that his or her role cannot be done by someone else. The O-3 visa is for individuals who are the spouse or children of O-1 or O-2 visa holders. Eligible children must be under the age of 21. Dependents are not permitted to seek employment in the U.S., although they may enroll in an educational institution.

O visas are typically valid for up to three years. Visa holders are eligible for one-year extensions as long as the individual continues to work in the same field. This type of visa holder may enter the U.S. 10 days before the O visa term begins and can remain in the country for up to 10 days after the O visa term ends.

Explore Your Business Immigration Options with a Boston Lawyer

Over the years, the skilled Boston business immigration attorneys at Maiona Ward, P.C. have guided many immigration applicants through consular processing and other parts of the visa process. We have developed a system to make sure we provide each client with the individualized attention that they deserve. We can handle your paperwork with the utmost diligence and keep track of all relevant deadlines. Securing a work visa to the U.S. can change you and your family’s entire future, so it is worth the time and effort to seek legal assistance. Our green card attorneys proudly represent clients from Worcester, Waltham, and other Massachusetts communities, as well as Rhode Island. To schedule an initial consultation, call us at 617-695-2220 or contact us online.