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Can I work for a new employer on an O-1?

Key answer

An O-1 is tied to the petitioner: you may work for whoever is named in the petition. Under the agent scheme several employers are listed, and you can move between them; an employer outside the list means a new petition. Changing a direct employer also requires a new petition, often filed inside the US.

Community answers

The answers below are translated from the original Russian - the language of the community chats.

  • The O-1 visa is tailored to a specific employer or your own company. Under the agency scheme, multiple employers are listed in the petition, allowing you to switch among them; if a different employer arises, a new petition is required.

  • The agent's involvement must be stated in your contract with them. Regarding working with companies outside the list, I've encountered opinions that O-1A cannot be done, but O-1B can - but this is a question worth checking against original sources.

  • The O-1 visa is tailored to a specific employer or your own company. Under the agency scheme, a few employers are listed in the petition - you can switch among them. If the employer is different, a new petition is required.

The answers are anonymized community experience from the public chats, not legal advice. Officers may decide similar cases differently.

Sources

All questions on: O-1 visaAll questions on: Process and timelines

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A reference page built from community experience, not legal advice. Requirements and practice change - verify on uscis.gov.

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