Is there a risk of deportation if I lose my job on an O-1?

There can be a real risk. The O-1 ties your presence in the United States to the work and the employer or petitioning agent that supported the original petition. As a result, your status depends directly on the activity for which the visa was granted.

If you lose your job, the situation becomes sensitive: the O-1 does not, on its own, authorize you to work in other roles or for other employers without a proper update or new petition. Ending the activity that formed the basis of the visa can lead to a loss of status if no action is taken, and remaining outside the authorized terms can have consequences, including for your lawful stay.

The key factor is timing. When faced with job loss, acting quickly tends to be decisive. Among the possible paths forward:

• Finding a new employer willing to file a petition, if you still qualify for the O-1.
• Considering a change or adjustment of status depending on your circumstances.
• Verifying which options and timeframes apply to your specific situation.

The rules governing the period available after the employment relationship ends, and the alternatives available to you, are determined by the relevant authority and vary case by case. For that reason, confirm your updated options with USCIS or with an immigration specialist as soon as possible.

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.