I am self-employed. Can I still get the O-1?

Yes, being self-employed does not prevent you from obtaining the O-1. The visa recognizes the extraordinary ability of the professional, not the size of the company they work for. The key consideration is structural: the O-1 requires a petitioner in the United States, and the petition is generally not filed directly by the beneficiary as a self-petition.

For those who work independently, the common path is to engage an agent in the U.S. who can act as petitioner and compile the professional’s commitments and work schedule. This allows freelancers and independent professionals to move forward with the petition without relying on a single traditional employer.

Regardless of the work arrangement, what supports the case is demonstrating outstanding achievement:

• Evidence of recognition and meaningful contributions in the field.
• Letters from experts or industry leaders.
• Projects, contracts, and a consistent work schedule.

Since every situation is unique, it is worth reviewing the current requirements on the USCIS website and working with a specialist to determine the best way to structure the petition for your specific case.

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.