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Do I need to show a work structure in the United States?

For the O-1, proving a work structure does not require owning a company: contracts, itineraries, and agreements showing continuous and relevant activity in the United States are typically sufficient, often with an agent or employer acting as intermediary.

Written by

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Updated on July 20, 2026
1 min read
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Yes. For the O-1, you must demonstrate that concrete work is waiting for you in the United States. This does not necessarily mean having a company or a physical office, but rather showing a real plan of activity in the country.

In practice, this proof typically comes through documents that evidence the continuity and relevance of your activities, such as:

  • Contracts and work agreements.
  • Itineraries and a schedule of professional commitments.
  • A breakdown of tasks and your role in the projects.

In many cases, the process involves an agent or employer in the United States who acts as an intermediary and gathers this documentation. The goal is to show that your work will be structured and planned, not sporadic. Since each case has its own specifics, it is worth confirming the current requirements with USCIS or an immigration professional.

Learn more about O-1

Requirement
Extraordinary ability
Initial validity
3 years
Extension
1 year at a time (unlimited)
Processing
2-4 months
All about O-1

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.

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Do I need to show a work structure in the United States?

For the O-1, proving a work structure does not require owning a company: contracts, itineraries, and agreements showing continuous and relevant activity in the United States are typically sufficient, often with an agent or employer acting as intermediary.

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