Can I own a company in the U.S. while on an O-1?

Yes, it is possible to be a business owner in the United States while holding the O-1 visa. Many professionals maintain ownership interests in businesses during their stay, and simple ownership is not, in itself, incompatible with the visa.

The key distinction to keep in mind is the difference between owning and working for the company. If your interest is passive (investing, being a partner, or a shareholder), this generally does not conflict with the O-1, because it does not alter your authorized work responsibilities.

Caution arises when you want to take on operational roles or day-to-day management. The O-1 is granted for a specific professional activity, and engaging in activities outside what your status permits may jeopardize your lawful presence in the country.

• Being a passive partner or investor is generally straightforward.
• Actively working at the company must fall within your status.
• Changing the nature of your role may require a different classification.

Before taking on an active role in the business, it is advisable to consult the official USCIS guidance and seek specialized support to ensure that your business activity does not conflict with the O-1 criteria.

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.