O3 Visa

Definition of O3 Visa:

The O3 dependent visa is suitable for the spouse and unmarried children (under 21 years of age) of O1 and O2 visa holders, who desire to accompany or to visit the principal “O” visa holder. An O3 status holder can stay in the United States as long as the principal visa holder remains in legal status. To be precise, the O3 holders lose their status once the principal applicant loses O status. An O3 visa holder is also authorized to change his/her status in the USA.

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant employment-based visa and is issued to the foreign nationals of extraordinary skill in the business, arts, education, sciences, or athletics. This visa can be extended indefinitely. Currently, there is no numerical limit on the number of aliens who can receive O1 visa each year. The O-2 visa allows persons who accompany an O1 visa holder in a specific athletic/artistic event or in the film industry to enter into the U.S. But, this visa is not available for people who accompany O1 visa holders in education or science.

The permitted initial stay of an O3 status holder is 3 years. The dependents are also allowed to extend their stay in the U.S. The visa holders must file a petition on the Form I-539 for their extension of stay. The extension is normally given in yearly increments.

One can enjoy the following privileges on O3 visa;

• O3 visa holder can stay in the United States with his/her family.
• An individual can engage in full time or part time study on O-3 visa.
• O3 status holder can enter the country with his/her spouse or join him/her later.
• They can travel in and out of the country (on short trips). The Department of State does not force any limit on the number of times the O3 holder may travel in and out of the U.S.

For changing the purpose of an individual’s visit while he is in the country on an O-3 visa, he has to change his visa status. The O-3 visa holders can change status to other non-immigrant (temporary) status for which he or she is qualified.

Also, the O-3 dependents of an O1 foreign national can apply for Adjustment of Status to become the lawful permanent residents. Similar to any alien, they can obtain Green Card either through entry into the U.S. on an immigrant visa granted by a U.S. consulate overseas or by adjustment of status in the U.S through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Employment on O-3 dependent visa:

Individuals holding O-3 visa are not allowed to work in the U.S. If they wish to earn income in the country, they must obtain a US work visa - a temporary approval to live and work in the U.S.

Documents required to apply for an O3 visa:

The O3 applicant has to submit the following documents at the same time as the principal O applicant's visa application and supporting documents are submitted:

1. Completed DS-156 Form (nonimmigrant visa application form).
2. Form DS-157 (supplemental nonimmigrant visa application form).. Submission of this form is required for all male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 irrespective of nationality.
3. Original Form I-797 Notice of Approval.
4. Original valid passport (at least 6 months.)
5. Two identical passport-size photographs, with a plain white or off-white background. The photo must be taken within the past 6 months.
6. Older passports containing previous visas.
7. Documents substantiating previous legal status in the United States.
8. Application fee (non-refundable.)
9. Reciprocity fee, if applicable.
10. Copies of main applicant's documents.
11. Proof of dependent's relationship to the principal visa holder. The documents must be original or certified copy. If they are English translations, then they must be a certified translation.

Our O-3 visa application Service:

We at immspec.com, as part of all services, provide assistance preparing your O-3 visa application. Our services include;

• A complete review of all your personal circumstances.
• Recognition of important legal issues that may affect your O-3 application.
• Exact preparation of your application.
• Submission of your application to the proper government agencies.