Can I work in fields related to my area of expertise?

Under the O-1, your work authorization is tied to the specialty for which the visa was approved. That field of extraordinary ability defines the boundaries of what you may do in the country.

Working in related fields may be possible when they are closely connected to your recognized expertise. Ideally, the activity should remain focused on the same area that formed the basis of the visa, preserving consistency with what was approved.

On the other hand, moving into a very different field could constitute a violation of the conditions of your status. Activities outside the visa’s scope can create future complications, so any change of area warrants caution.

Since every situation is unique, if you are unsure whether a particular activity falls within scope, it is worth seeking specialized guidance and confirming the limits of your status before accepting new work.

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.