Do I need to submit U.S. tax returns for the O-1 if I have already worked in the U.S.?

Submitting tax returns (U.S. federal income tax declarations) is not, in itself, a formal requirement of the O-1. However, if you have already worked in the United States and had taxable income, these documents can be useful in strengthening your case.

When included, they mainly serve to:

• Show that you fulfilled your tax obligations during the period you worked in the country.
• Demonstrate the continuity and legitimacy of your professional trajectory.
• Complement the track record that supports the petition.

That said, the requirement varies depending on the specific case, the stage of the process (petition with USCIS or consular processing), and the documentation already submitted. Practices and document checklists can change over time.

Therefore, before assembling your file, review the updated official instructions from USCIS and the consulate where the application will be submitted, or consult a specialist to confirm what makes sense for your situation.

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.