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Can I have a Brazilian manager for my O-1?

Having a Brazilian manager does not affect your O-1: the visa does not require a representative in the U.S. What matters is having a U.S. agent or sponsor file the petition. Learn the difference.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 17, 2026
1 min read
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Yes. The O-1 visa does not require the beneficiary to have a manager or representative residing in the United States, so there is nothing preventing your manager from being Brazilian. The country where your manager lives is not, in itself, a requirement of the visa.

What the law actually requires is the petitioning structure. In general, the petition is filed by an employer or agent in the United States, who must demonstrate the contractual relationship and the need for you to fulfill engagements and activities in the country. This petitioner role is distinct from the career management a manager provides.

In practice, this means:

  • You can keep a manager in Brazil handling your career.
  • The petition still requires a U.S.-based agent or sponsor to file it.
  • All ties, agreements, and support arrangements must be formally documented.

Since every contract has its own specifics, it is worth confirming the current requirements and reviewing your contractual structure with a specialist to ensure everything is in order before filing.

Learn more about O-1

Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Initial validity
3 years
Extension
1 year at a time (unlimited)
Processing
2-4 months
All about O-1

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.

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Can I have a Brazilian manager for my O-1?

Having a Brazilian manager does not affect your O-1: the visa does not require a representative in the U.S. What matters is having a U.S. agent or sponsor file the petition. Learn the difference.

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