Can I have a sponsor and still work as a freelancer on an O-1?

In general, yes, it is possible, but care is required. The O-1 depends on a petitioner (an employer or an agent) who files the petition describing the work to be performed in the United States. The authorized work is what is tied to that petition, so any parallel activity must fall within the approved terms.

For those who work independently or with multiple clients, there is the figure of the agent petitioner, who can file a petition covering different projects and clients. It is this type of structure that typically accommodates freelance work, rather than simply adding side engagements outside what has been authorized.

The sensitive point is scope: activities outside what the petition covers may be treated as unauthorized work and put your status at risk. Therefore, before taking on new contracts, it is essential to verify whether they are covered by the current petition or whether a formal amendment is required.

Since the right structure varies depending on your profile and contracts, it is worth confirming the updated rules with the official source (USCIS) and planning the arrangement with a specialist before making commitments.

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.