Can I teach workshops and masterclasses on an O-1?

As a general rule, yes: teaching workshops and masterclasses is typically compatible with the O-1 visa, as long as those activities are aligned with the field in which you demonstrated extraordinary ability and on which your petition was based.

The O-1 is tied to your field of excellence (arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics) and to the activities described in the petition. Teaching classes, workshops, or masterclasses tends to be viewed as a natural extension of your work when it reinforces your profile and the recognition of your expertise. The key consideration is scope: what you do must be covered by the approved petition.

• Activities must connect to your area of extraordinary ability.
• What you plan to do must be described and justified in the petition.
• Activities outside that scope may require additional steps.

If you plan to take on commitments that go beyond what was included in the original petition, it is worth confirming the current rules with the official source (USCIS) and aligning your plans with a specialist before accepting any engagement, to avoid any conflict with the terms of the visa.

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.