Does the sponsor have to be an American company?

The O visa is intended for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fields, and an important part of the process involves submitting a strong petition to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). A common question is whether the sponsor, or petitioner, must be an American company.

In the context of the O visa, the general rule requires that the petition be filed by an entity based in the United States. Usually, this petition is submitted by the American employer who will hire the beneficiary to perform functions related to their extraordinary ability. However, there are situations where a U.S. agent may act as an intermediary, representing not only a single employer but multiple contractors, provided that this agent is established in the U.S. This structure is often used when the beneficiary works itinerantly or provides services for different entities.

It is worth noting that, even when agents are involved, the petition must be carefully prepared to demonstrate the relationship between the beneficiary and the entity or entities operating within U.S. territory. Therefore, although direct sponsorship is normally carried out by a U.S. company or entity, there are mechanisms-such as the involvement of a U.S. agent-to accommodate situations where the beneficiary’s work involves multiple contracts or an organization with a differentiated structure.

It is essential to comply with all current U.S. immigration laws and guidelines throughout the process. Seeking information from reliable sources and consulting specialized professionals (always with caution to avoid miracle promises and scams) is crucial to ensure the entire procedure is conducted in accordance with regulations. Each case has its particularities, and the correct preparation of the petition can make all the difference for the success of the process.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.