Temporary Workers in Selected Occupations:

O, P Visas The O Category is used for aliens of extraordinary ability in the Sciences, arts, education, business or ATHLETICS. No numerical cap is placed on the annual admission of these aliens. To qualify for O-1 status, the alien must demonstrate sustained National or International acclaim and recognition for achievements in the field of expertise by providing evidence of : receipt of a major, internationally-recognized award or prizes for excellence; OR

at least three of the following forms of documentation:

• membership in association in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members;
• published material in professional, or major media about the alien's work in the field;
• participation on a panel , or individually, as a judge of the work of others;
• employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments;
• high salary;
• other comparable evidence.

Duration of Stay

There is no such explicit statutory limitation on the period of stay for O nonimmigrants; the initial period of stay can be approved for the time needed to complete the event or activity or group of events or activities for which the nonimmigrant is admitted, up to a period of three (3) years. In the case of an O-1 athlete, the event could be the entire season or the alien's contract if longer than the season. Extensions of stay for an O-1 alien can be granted in increments of up to one year to continue or complete the same event or activity.

The P-1 visa covers atheletes and entertainers who don't qualify for O category. The P-2 status is for participation in an international cultural exchange and P-3 is for a culturally unique performance.

Disclaimer |Canada Immigration | Employment Based Permanent Residence | B-1/B-2 Business/Tourist Visa | H-1B Non-immigrant Worker Visa | Exchange Visitors: J-1 Visas | Fiancee Visa K-1 | L-1 Intra Company Transfer | Labour Certification Green Card by Marriage to a U.S. Citizen | National Interest Waiver | Temporary Workers in Selected Occupations: O, P Visas | Treaty Traders (E-1) and Treaty Investors (E-2) | TN (NAFTA) | REVALIDATION OF H, L, O AND P VISAS RELIGIOUS WORKERS ("R") | R1 Visa | Permanent resident through relatives