Three Steps to Working with an O-1 Visa Agent
- Deborah Anne
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
If you’re a foreign professional aiming to build a flexible, independent career in the U.S., the O-1 visa can be a powerful tool. It not only recognizes your extraordinary ability but also gives you freedom to work across multiple projects.
One of the best ways to unlock that flexibility is by partnering with an O-1 visa agent, who can act as your authorized petitioner and help you manage diverse work opportunities.
Before you take that step, ask yourself:
Are you seeking more stability — protection for your work authorization in case of layoffs?
Or do you want flexibility — the ability to pursue multiple paid engagements or consulting projects?
If either sounds like you, working with an O-1 agent could open new doors. Here are three key steps to help you get it right.
Step 1: Determine if the O-1 visa agent is right for you
Do You Qualify for the O-1 Visa?
Anyone who meets the O-1 visa criteria can work with an agent — provided they’re proactive about shaping their own career path. The O-1 visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary ability in their field, and an agent-based petition adds flexibility for those juggling multiple engagements. You can read more about O-1 visa requirements here.
Do You Qualify to Work with an O-1 Visa Agent?
To file through an agent, you must be able to identify (or proactively create) two or more work opportunities in the U.S. Don’t worry if you don't have these both lined up yet. If you have an idea of what you want to do, your agent should guide you through lining up multiple work engagements.
Next, ensure you’ve found a reputable attorney and agent to partner with. To find an agent, ask your immigration attorney for recommendations, or schedule a consultation with Ambra Talent Group to discuss your options.
Questions to Ask a Potential Agent
Will they securely and accurately maintain your employment records?
Will they respond promptly if/when USCIS contacts them?
Are they willing to communicate directly with your employers if needed?
What is their guaranteed turnaround time for requests from USCIS or employers?
If you’ve found a qualified agent and have identified your two or more initial work opportunities, you’re ready to move on to preparing your filing documents.
Step 2: Prepare Work Itinerary and Petitioner's Statement for O-1 filing
To demonstrate that your agent is facilitating multiple work opportunities, your petition should include:
Records of at least two work engagements, but can be more
Letters of aknowledgement from each employer or contracting entity.
Your agent and attorney should guide you with templates and examples. A casual or incomplete agent arrangement risks triggering a Request for Evidence (RFE), so aim for clarity and documentation.
Your agent will also sign and submit a Petitioner’s Statement, formally establishing their role in your O-1 application.
Roles and Responsibilities:
Step 3: Maintain Visa Status Compliance
After you receive an approved O-1 petition, it's crucial to work with your agent to maintain current and accurate work records. In the event that USCIS asks for verification of your work engagements, your agent will need to respond to their request in a timely and professional manner.
When taking on a new work opportunity, always inform your O-1 visa Agent. In some cases, you should file an amendment to your O-1 petition – but not always!
Example: When an Amendment Is Needed
You filed your petition with one full-time job and one part-time consulting engagement. Later, you change full-time employers. This represents a substantial change in employment and typically requires an amendment.
Example: When an Amendment Is Not Needed
You filed your petition with one full-time role and an LLC in your name. Later, you add two short-term contracts under the same LLC. Since there’s no substantial change in employer, you likely don’t need an amendment.
Tip: Always confirm amendment requirements with your immigration attorney. Agents can assist with documentation but generally cannot provide legal advice.
O-1 Compliance Checklist:
✔️ Keep your agent updated whenever you take on new projects or engagements.
✔️ File amendments when you change employers or full-time positions.
✔️ Retain documentation (contracts, letters, invoices) for all O-1-related work.
✔️ Consult your attorney before making any major employment or business changes.
If you qualify to work with an O-1 visa agent to file and maintain your petition, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility that come along with working with an agent for as long as you are on the O-1.
A good agent will not only help you with the compliance piece, but also provide guidance on building a successful and diverse career. You should be able to lean on your agent to leverage your career trajectory in the US and navigate new opportunities.
If you’re ready to explore whether working with an O-1 visa agent is right for you, connect with Ambra Talent Group for a personalized consultation.
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