Can I bring my elderly father with me?

Not through the O-1 route. The extraordinary ability visa allows dependents under the O-3 category, which covers a spouse and children within the applicable age limit. Parents, even elderly ones, do not automatically fall under that dependent category.

That does not mean he cannot join you in the United States: the path is simply a different one. He would need to pursue his own visa suited to his purpose, such as the visitor visa (B-2), designed for temporary stays.

• The O-3 covers spouses and children within the age limit, not parents.
• For a visit, the visitor visa (B-2) is typically the route considered.
• This type of visa requires demonstrating ties to the home country.

Each application is assessed individually by consular officers. It is worth checking updated requirements through official sources and, if needed, seeking expert guidance rather than relying on any promises of guaranteed outcomes.

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.