Do I need to have a company registered in my country of origin?

The O visa is intended for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their fields of work, such as arts, sciences, education, business, or sports. This type of visa does not necessarily require the applicant to have a company registered in their country of origin.

The main focus is to prove your excellence and recognition in the area in which you operate, through awards, publications, expert evaluations, and other documents that demonstrate your professional distinction. For the O visa application, the candidate should gather robust evidence of their achievements and significant contributions in their field.

Having a company can add value to the portfolio, showing a support structure or giving an entrepreneurial aspect to the career, but it is not a requirement. In some cases, having a business may be useful to demonstrate financial viability or the offering of services and projects; however, generally, the essential aspect is to prove that you stand out extraordinarily in your area of expertise.

It is crucial that the candidate is always aligned with United States immigration laws and seeks reliable sources, such as specialized consultancies or official information from government agencies, for specific guidance in the process. Avoid falling for promises of easy or guaranteed results, often promoted by dubious marketing campaigns, which can lead to risks and complications in your process.

Always remember to confirm the specific requirements for your case and keep all documentation organized, as this can make a significant difference in the evaluation of your petition. Each situation is unique and personalized assessments can help provide the necessary support so you can build a consistent process that meets the O visa requirements.

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.