No, hiring an accounting firm is not a requirement for the O-1. There is no immigration rule that obliges you to have an accountant in order to file a petition. That said, this kind of support can be very useful in practice.
An accountant can help you organize your financial documents, plan for tax matters, and keep your financial situation in compliance with United States laws. Clear and consistent documentation also strengthens the body of evidence that supports your professional profile.
This support tends to make the most difference in certain situations:
- When you provide services to multiple companies or clients.
- When you work independently or through your own business entity.
- When your financial structure is more complex.
In short, it is optional, but it can be a valuable strategy. For tax and financial decisions, it is worth consulting a qualified professional and reviewing the official guidelines applicable to your situation.
Learn more about O-1
- Requirement
- Extraordinary ability
- Initial validity
- 3 years
- Extension
- 1 year at a time (unlimited)
- Processing
- 2-4 months
About the author
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
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.