Can I bring my secretary as an O-2?

The O-2 is the visa for support personnel who accompany the O-1 holder (the artist, athlete, scientist, or professional with extraordinary ability) during the specialized activity. It was not designed for general administrative assistance, but rather for someone who is an integral part of carrying out the O-1’s work.

For that reason, bringing a secretary as an O-2 is not automatic. The central question is whether her duties are critical and specific to the holder’s performance, to the point that they cannot be easily replaced by someone hired locally. An ordinary administrative assistant is unlikely to qualify; what matters is the direct and indispensable connection to the specialized activity.

• Support that requires knowledge or techniques specific to the O-1’s work.
• Experience that makes the person an essential part of the presentation or execution.
• Detailed documentation proving this direct relationship.

In practice, the process requires convincing evidence that the support is integrated, and not merely convenient. If your secretary’s role truly supports the activity that justified the O-1, it is worth gathering this proof and confirming the updated requirements with the official source (USCIS) or with a specialist before filing a petition.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.