Can I do consulting work alongside my main activity on the O-1?

Yes, as long as the consulting is properly authorized. The O-1 is not an open work visa: it is tied to the activities and employers or agents described in the approved petition. This means you are authorized to work within the scope of what was petitioned, not in any parallel work that arises afterward.

If the consulting is already covered in your petition, it likely fits within your status. If it is a new engagement with a different client, it generally needs to be formalized separately, through an additional petition showing that the activity also meets the O-1 criteria. Working outside the authorized scope can put your status at risk.

• Confirm whether the consulting falls within the scope of the current petition.
• For a new client, assess whether an additional petition is needed.
• Document the work arrangement before starting the activity.

Because the analysis depends on the specifics of each arrangement, it is worth consulting the official source (USCIS) and, ideally, a specialist before starting the consulting work, to stay in compliance and avoid disrupting your immigration status.

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.