Are verbal contracts valid to submit?

Under the O-1 visa, verbal contracts may be considered, but they rarely support a petition on their own. U.S. authorities prefer documented evidence that allows the terms of the engagement to be assessed objectively.

Written and signed contracts typically carry more weight because they detail the scope of services, working conditions, and the duration of the relationship. When an agreement is verbal, the path forward is to reinforce it with supplementary material that confirms its existence and terms.

• Emails and messages that record what was agreed.
• Meeting minutes or written records.
• Witness statements and professional letters.

The goal is to build a coherent file that clearly demonstrates the commitment and conditions agreed upon by the parties. If the verbal contract is the only evidence, it tends to be harder to establish the terms, which can weaken the case.

Gather everything that can substantiate those agreements and, when in doubt about what to submit, confirm guidance from the official source or with an immigration specialist.

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.