Can I start working before my O-1 is approved?

No. The O-1 visa is what authorizes professional activity in the United States for individuals with extraordinary ability, and that authorization only exists after approval. Before then, even with a petition already filed, you are not permitted to work.

Starting activities while the petition is still under review may be treated as a violation of immigration rules. The requirement to wait exists precisely to ensure that eligibility is confirmed before you enter the U.S. labor market.

The risk is not only immediate. Working without authorization can:

• Complicate the O-1 petition currently in progress.
• Harm future immigration processes and other benefits.
• Jeopardize your legal status in the country.

The safe path is to wait for official approval before starting any activity. If you have questions about timing or intermediate steps, it is worth checking updated rules through official sources (USCIS) or with a specialist.

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.