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How Does an E-2 Visa Work
O-3 Visa
This article contains tops tips from our experts, backed by in-depth research.
Last Updated: 23 Jul 2025
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The O-3 visa allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 of O-1 or O-2 visa holders to reside and study in the U.S. during the principal’s authorized stay. It does not grant work rights and expires if the principal visa holder’s status ends.
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In This Article, You Will Discover:
Key Takeaways
- The O-3 Visa is designated for dependents of O-1 and O-2 visa holders, including spouses and unmarried children under 21, allowing them to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the US.
- Employment restrictions are strict, prohibiting them from engaging in paid employment in the US, but they are allowed to study.
- Applying for a change of status or extension involves submitting Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, before the current visa expires.
- Holders can pursue education in the US, enrolling in full or part-time study without the need to obtain a separate student visa.
- The renewal process requires demonstrating continued eligibility through the principal O-1 or O-2 visa holder’s status and submitting the appropriate documentation for extension.
What Is the O-3 Visa?
The O-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa designed for the immediate family members of O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement) and O-2 (essential support personnel) visa holders.
It allows eligible dependents to accompany or later join their family during the principal visa holder’s period of authorized stay in the United States.
Eligibility and Requirements
Who qualifies:
- Legally married spouse of an O-1 or O-2 visa holder.
- Unmarried children under 21 years old (biological or legally adopted).
Who does not qualify:
- Unmarried partners, fiancés, or cohabiting couples without legal marriage.
- Children aged 21 or older.
- Married children.
- Parents, siblings, grandparents, or other relatives.
Additional criteria:
- Proof of genuine relationship (marriage/birth/adoption certificates).
- No serious criminal record.
- Financial capacity of the principal O-1/O-2 visa holder to support dependents during their stay.
Step-By-Step Application Process
For dependents outside the U.S.:
- Obtain Principal Approval: The O-1 or O-2 visa application must be approved first.
- Complete Form DS-160: Each O-3 applicant completes the online nonimmigrant visa application and prints the confirmation page.
- Prepare Documents: Assemble marriage/birth certificates, passport, Form I-797 approval for the principal, financial proof, and additional supporting materials.
- Schedule Interview: Book a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Attend the interview with all documents; minors may have separate requirements.
- Visa Issuance: Upon approval, the O-3 visa is stamped in the passport, enabling entry to the U.S..
For dependents already in the U.S.:
- File Form I-539: If changing status within the U.S., submit Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status), one form per family member (plus Form I-539A for additional dependents).
- Await Approval: If granted, status is updated to O-3 for the duration of the principal’s visa.
Tip: Apply for the O-3 visa at the same time as the O-1/O-2 process for efficiency and unified entry to the U.S.
Required Documents Checklist
- Valid passport (minimum six months’ validity)
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth/adoption certificate (for children)
- Principal applicant's Form I-797 approval notice
- DS-160 confirmation page and visa fee receipt
- Proof of financial support and relationship authenticity
- Police clearance and medical exam (if required)
- Certified English translations of any non-English documents
- Recent passport-size photograph meeting U.S. requirements
O-3 Visa Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
- Legal U.S. Residence: O-3 holders may live in the United States for as long as the principal maintains valid O-1/O-2 status.
- Unlimited U.S. Re-Entry: Multiple entries permitted for the duration of the principal’s visa.
- Full- or Part-Time Study: Dependents can attend school, college, or university with no need for a separate F-1 visa.
- Family Unity: Spouses and minor children may join or visit the principal at any time.
- Flexibility: Possible to change status to another nonimmigrant or immigrant category in the U.S., if eligibility criteria are met.
Drawbacks
- No Employment Rights: O-3 holders cannot work in the U.S. Employment requires a separate work visa category.
- No Extended Family Inclusion: Only legally married spouses and children under 21 are eligible.
- Status Linked to Principal: O-3 status automatically ends if the primary O-1/O-2 holder loses or changes status.
- Aging Out: Children lose O-3 eligibility immediately upon turning 21, with no grace period to remain in the U.S. unless they obtain another legal status.
O-3 vs. O-1/O-2 Visas
| Feature | O-3 Visa | O-1/O-2 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Dependent support | Extraordinary talent/support personnel |
| Eligible Applicants | Spouse, children <21 | Principal and essential personnel |
| Employment Authorization | Not permitted | Authorized as per petition |
| Study Privileges | Full/part-time allowed | Permitted |
| Duration | Tied to principal’s stay | Up to 3 years; renewable |
| Work Permission | No | Yes (per work petition) |
| Path to Green Card | Must change status first | Eligible (O-1) |
Common Questions
Can O-3 visa holders work in the U.S.?
Can O-3 visa holders study?
How long is the O-3 visa valid?
What happens if a child turns 21?
Can dependents join the principal later?
Are same-sex spouses eligible?
In Conclusion
The O-3 visa offers a straightforward and efficient path for immediate family members to accompany O-1 or O-2 visa holders in the United States.
While study is permitted, employment is not.
Careful application preparation and advance planning for age-outs or any desire to work are crucial.
Legal advice is recommended for complex family or status transitions.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article was accurate as of July 2025. Visa policies, eligibility, and requirements change frequently—always consult official sources or immigration professionals before applying or making decisions.
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