ESTA

O and P visas for rare travellers to the USA

Every year, foreign nationals obtain around ten million non-immigrant visas for temporary residence in the United States. There are dozens of types: tourist visas (the most popular), work visas, investor visas and many others. Add to this the visitors traveling under theESTA (Visa Waiver Program), and the immigrants receiving the “green card” for permanent residency, and you’re aware of the interest that the USA represents for a large part of the world’s population. Each visa deserves its own presentation sheet, as the characteristics and application procedures vary enormously from one to the next. Below, we’ll discuss the O and P visas. We’ll explain who they’re intended for, and how to apply for them in order to travel to the USA legally.

O and P visas based on sporting, artistic or scientific talent…

Generally speaking, one type of visa is based above all on a specific reason for travel: to study, to volunteer, to stay as an au pair, etc. For O and P visas, the eligibility criterion focuses more on the applicant’s profile. In both cases, you’ll need to prove that your abilities are more advanced than usual, regardless of whether you’re applying for an O or P visa.

It’s important to distinguish between the two types of authorization. As a reminder , all non-immigrant visas allow you to visit the USA for a temporary stay. However, the latter is variable, as is the method of obtaining it, depending on the situation. In other words: don’t select your visa at random, between the P and the O. See below for their characteristics:

The O visa in detail

On first reading, the name of the O visa is surprising: “Individuals with extraordinary abilities or achievements”. Simply put, this certificate considers the applicant’s skills; it’s imperative that he or she has achieved something incredible compared to the average person. However, this is limited to a few fields of application:

Remember that it’s not enough to have won a student prize at your university, or to have won a sports competition organized by your town; we’re talking here about a “level of expertise placing the person among a small percentage at the highest level in the field in question”. In the arts and audiovisual fields, the applicant must, in addition to having talent, be recognized for it.

In addition, assistants and spouses of O visa holders can accompany them by applying for an O2 or O3.

The P visa and its variations

To enter the United States on a P visa, there are several contexts corresponding to the different versions of this residence permit:

It’s not easy to understand the nuances of O, P visas and all their variations! Don’t hesitate to do further research on the Internet or by contacting organizations specialized in obtaining visas.

Do you have outstanding artistic talent, exceptional sports skills or have you been involved in a major film project? If so, perhaps your stay in the USA can become a reality, thanks to the documents described here. But how do you take advantage of these O and P visas, offering direct access to Uncle Sam’s country? That’s what the second part of this article is all about!

How to obtain an O or P visa

Anticipate your O or P visa application. The procedure cannot be completed in a few days, despite all your dedication and time ; you are dependent on the availability and responsiveness of several interlocutors. What’s more, even if you think you meet all the above conditions, you should be aware that the decision to issue the visa rests entirely with the American authorities; bear in mind that there is no guarantee of an affirmative answer until you receive it.

How does the process work? We’ve only outlined here, as we’d have to devote an entire article to obtaining each of the visa versions mentioned above: O-1, P-1A, P3, etc.

Regardless of the document you’re applying for, you’ll need to fill in form I-129 and have a valid passport. The difference then lies in the supporting documents you need to enclose, depending on whether you are applying for the visa O or P. Your file must prove that you meet the criteria: opinion from a recognized organization on your skills, diplomas and awards, contracts, copies of program agreements, letters of recommendation… be prepared to make many photocopies and printouts!

At the same time, you’ll have to pay a fee: no visa is free, as the procedure requires an average outlay of several hundred euros. Don’t worry, though, if you’re traveling to the U.S. as a tourist: this cost is lower thanks to ESTA (authorization from countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program).

Once your application has been accepted, you’ll need to arrange an appointment with the consular services of the American embassy (in Paris for France) or consulate. This step generally applies to all types of visa: O, P, but also L1, E1-E2 visas, H, etc. This interview with a U.S. representative gives you the opportunity to express your motivations, present your skills and your project, which does not have to involve becoming a permanent resident.

Then cross your fingers and hope you’ve convinced your contact person! He or she will decide whether or not to give the go-ahead for the travel document to be sent.

We hope you make the most of your competition or program in the United States of America, thanks to the O or P visa application.