I tried to prove ‘leading role’ as a freelancer. Do I need to show a formal contract?

The EB-1 visa is aimed at individuals who demonstrate extraordinary abilities or significant achievements in their fields. One way to meet the criteria is to prove a leadership role with strong evidence of your contributions, even as a freelancer.

When you work as a freelancer, the absence of a formal contract may make it somewhat difficult to present your ‘leading role’. However, this does not mean you are without alternatives. Although a formal contract is one of the clearest ways to demonstrate your leadership position – especially if it details your responsibilities and the scope of the projects – USCIS also accepts other forms of evidence. Letters of recommendation from clients, public recognition, portfolios of completed work, and publications mentioning your involvement are examples of documents that can strengthen your case. The idea is to form a robust set of evidence that, together, convincingly illustrate your leadership role.

It is important to remember that United States immigration law has specific nuances, and USCIS evaluators consider the entire set of evidence presented. Therefore, even in the absence of a formal contract, it is worthwhile to focus efforts on gathering other relevant materials that prove your relevance and impact in the field.

I always emphasize the importance of strictly following immigration laws and seeking information from reliable sources. Look for guidance from specialists or consulting firms with a solid reputation, always avoiding miraculous promises and marketing campaigns that guarantee results without an in-depth analysis of your case. In this way, you will be better prepared to present a solid case before United States immigration authorities.

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.