Can I attend fan conventions?

Yes. In general, attending fan conventions is possible for holders of the O-1 visa, as long as the activity is compatible with the visa’s terms and does not represent a change of role or unauthorized work.

The O-1 is granted based on a specific, high-level performance in your field. Attending a convention as a participant, for networking, promotion, or leisure, is generally acceptable, especially when the event is related to your area of expertise. The key concern is ensuring that such participation does not shift the focus away from the primary activity for which the visa was granted.

• Attendance as a participant, for networking, or for promotion: generally compatible.
• Taking on a paid role not covered in the petition: may violate your status.
• When in doubt, assess the situation before confirming attendance.

If there is any uncertainty about whether a specific event constitutes a change of activity, the prudent step is to consult an immigration specialist and confirm the rules with USCIS. This protects your status and helps you avoid complications.

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.