EB-1A: I’m a freelancer. How do I prove ‘intent to continue’?

In the EB-1A, being a freelancer is not an obstacle: the category allows self-petitioning, so you do not depend on an employer. What you must demonstrate is the intent to continue working in the same field upon entering the United States, and that is shown through documents, not a formal employment contract.

The goal is to show that the market still demands your work and that you plan to remain active in your field. Several types of evidence can help:

• Future contracts, letters of intent, and service agreements already in place.
• Emails, proposals, and ongoing negotiations with clients and partners.
• An updated portfolio and an outline of the projects you intend to carry out in the U.S.
• Participation in events, conferences, and associations in your field.

Third-party letters (from clients, contractors, or event organizers) describing planned projects tend to carry more weight than generic personal statements, because they demonstrate concrete demand. The full package should tell a coherent story: who you are, what you have accomplished, and how you intend to keep working.

Because each case is evaluated individually, it is worth organizing this documentation carefully and, if in doubt, reviewing your evidence strategy with a specialist and checking the latest guidance from USCIS before filing.

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.