What is an O visa?

People with extraordinary abilities in sciences, arts, education, business, athletics, or with extraordinary achievements in movie production and television can qualify to receive an O-1 visa. To initiate the process, the sponsor or future employer should complete the I-129 Form (Petition for Temporary Worker) and file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once the petition is approved, USCIS will send an original form I-797 (“Notice of Action”) to the employer. The beneficiary will then be able to apply for an O visa at the Consular Section in the Embassy of the United States in Montevideo.

What is a P visa?

The P visa is for certain athletes, artists, and coaches that desire to live and to work in the United States temporarily. To initiate the process, the future employer should complete the I-129 Form (Petition for Temporary Worker) and file a petition with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once the petition is approved, USCIS will send the employer an original form I-797 ("Notice of Action"). The beneficiary will then be able apply for a P visa at the Consular Section in the Embassy of the United States in Montevideo.

P-1 Visa (Athletes/Artists, Internationally Recognized)

An internationally recognized athlete or artist that is traveling to the United States to participate in a competition or artistic event as a member of a group, as well as their essential work personnel, requires a P-1 visa.

P-2 Visa (Artists that Participate in a Reciprocal Exchange Program)

Artists that are traveling to the United States either alone, or as part or a group, under a reciprocal exchange program between the United States and another country require a P-2 visa.

P-3 Visa (Culturally Unique Programs)

An artist traveling to the United States to give a presentation, teach or coach, alone or as part of a group, under a culturally unique program, require a P-3 visa.

P-4 Visa (Dependents of P-1 – P-3 Visa Holders)

The spouse and single children under the age of 21 may receive a P-4 visa to accompany the P1, P2 or P3 visa holder to the United States. Spouses cannot accept employment in the United States. The minors with P-4 visas can attend public or private schooling.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

• The original Form I-797, “Notice of Action” sent to you by the prospective employer in the United States;
• Proof of the applicant’s work, through which he/she would qualify for the visa (articles from magazines or newspapers about the applicant, medals or prizes from competitions/events, and pictures from events).
• Derivative Applicant(s) Only P-4:
  a. If the principal applicant is not applying for the visa at the same time: A copy of principal applicant’s documents (Form I-797);
   b. Proof of relationship, such as a birth or marriage certificates;
  c. A copy of the principal applicant’s visa, along with proof that the principal applicant is maintaining status in the United States, such as current job letter or pay stubs.
• General application documents

Important Notes:

• Due to limited recourses, the Consular Section cannot issue petition based visas, if you are not a legal resident in Uruguay;

• As a result to strict security measures, some applications may take longer than others to be processed. This process cannot be accelerated, for this reason you should not make final travel plans or buy any tickets until you receive your visa. The visa applicants should never assume that their visa applications will be approved.