Can I offer paid online courses while in the U.S.?

Offering paid online courses with an O-1 visa may be possible, but it depends on how that activity fits within the terms approved in your petition. The key factor is the relationship between the course and the field in which your extraordinary ability was recognized.

If the courses are directly tied to your area of expertise, they are more likely to be seen as consistent with the visa. However, if they represent a new direction or a separate venture from what supported the approval, you may need to adjust or expand your work authorization.

Keep in mind that each case is reviewed individually, based on the specific terms of your approval. Any activity beyond what was authorized can create complications and may put your status at risk.

Before getting started, carefully review the terms of your O-1 and seek specialized guidance to assess whether the courses fall within the granted authorization. When in doubt, confirm the current rules with USCIS.

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.