Can I have an American investor hire me as an O-1?

Yes, it is possible, as long as the investor acts as the formal employer or sponsor of the petition. The O-1 requires a U.S.-based sponsor (an employer, an agent, or an entity) who establishes the employment relationship and is responsible for the petition before immigration authorities.

The key point is not the investor figure itself, but the nature of the offer. It must be genuine, well-defined, and demonstrate the need for a professional with extraordinary ability for the described role. If the role is vague or the relationship is not properly documented, approval becomes more difficult.

As with any O-1 petition, the process brings together robust evidence of your recognition: recommendation letters, publications, awards, and other proof of distinction in your field. Both the applicant and the sponsor share the responsibility of keeping everything consistent and truthful.

Because each arrangement has its own specifics, it is worth confirming updated requirements with USCIS and reviewing the structure with a specialist before filing.

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.