O-1A Visa Through an Agent: Sigil’s Story and How It Works
Learn how to apply for the O-1A visa through an agent instead of an employer. Founder Sigil shares his real experience, process, and tips for success.
The Agent Route for Extraordinary Talent
The O-1A visa is known as the visa for extraordinary ability — scientists, entrepreneurs, artists, and founders who’ve achieved something remarkable in their fields.
But here’s something many applicants don’t know:
You don’t need a U.S. employer to get one.
In certain cases, you can apply for an O-1A visa through an agent, giving you the freedom to work with multiple companies or projects — something that’s impossible with an employer-based petition.
To understand how this works in practice, we sat down with Sigil, the founder of Extraordinary, to talk about his personal experience getting his O-1A visa through an agent instead of a traditional company sponsor.
The Decision to Go with an Agent
“My career didn’t fit into one employer box.”
Q: To start, could you tell us a bit about your professional field and what led you to pursue the O-1A visa?
Sigil: I was building a company that worked with multiple startups and global clients. I didn’t have one fixed employer — I was collaborating across projects. When I looked at the standard O-1A route, I realized it would tie me to a single company. That didn’t fit how I worked.
Q: So how did the idea of an agent first come up?
Sigil: My immigration attorney actually suggested it. The O-1A rules allow a U.S. agent to act as your petitioner if you work on multiple projects or for different employers. It sounded exactly like what I needed — flexibility with legitimacy.
Q: What advantages did you see in choosing an agent over an employer?
Sigil: Mainly freedom. With an agent, you can take on multiple projects, as long as they fall within your field of extraordinary ability. You don’t lose your visa status if one contract ends. That’s huge for founders, consultants, and freelancers.
How the Agent Model Works
In a traditional O-1A visa:
The employer files O-1A petition on your behalf.
You can only work for that company while the visa is valid.
In the agent-based O-1A:
A U.S. individual or entity acts as your petitioner (agent).
You can work for multiple employers or projects under one petition.
The agent files a single petition with an itinerary of engagements.
You will need an employment contract for each new project you take on
Building the Case: Evidence and Itinerary
Q: The “itinerary” is often the hardest part. How did you approach it?
Sigil: That was tricky. USCIS wants to see a clear outline of your work plans — what projects you’ll do, for whom, and where. I built a 12-month timeline showing all my upcoming collaborations, conferences, and consulting projects. It was like planning my entire year in advance.
Q: What documentation did your agent need?
Sigil: A lot.
Letters of intent or contracts with U.S. clients.
Evidence of my achievements — media coverage, awards, publications.
A written contract between me and the agent, outlining terms and responsibilities.
Q: Any challenges?
Sigil: Gathering evidence wasn’t hard, but organizing it was. Every line of the petition had to show that my role and projects were within my area of extraordinary ability. Consistency mattered more than volume.
Life on an Agent-Sponsored O-1A
Q: How has this flexibility impacted your career since getting approved?
Sigil: It changed everything. I can work with multiple startups, consult, and even start side ventures — all under the same visa. For founders and creatives, that’s invaluable.
Q: Are there any ongoing obligations with your agent?
Sigil: I keep them informed about my active projects. It’s not as rigid as an employer relationship, but I maintain clear communication — especially if I add new engagements.
Q: What advice would you give to others considering this route?
Sigil:
Work with an experienced team who understands the agent model.
Choose a credible U.S. agent, not a random service online.
Prepare a strong itinerary — USCIS wants specifics.
Be ready to show how every project aligns with your field of expertise.
Sigil’s Takeaway
“The O-1 visa isn’t just about proving you’re extraordinary — it’s about designing your career with intention.
The agent model gave me the freedom to build across borders, projects, and industries — without waiting for one company’s approval.”
Thinking of Applying for an O-1A Through an Agent?
Extraordinary helps founders, creators, and innovators prepare airtight O-1A petitions — whether through an employer or agent.
👉 Get a Free O-1 Assessment
👉 Learn more about O-1 Visa Requirements
👉 Compare O-1 vs EB-1A Paths
Extraordinary is not a law firm. We provide software solutions and visa preparation services. The information on our website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice on any subject matter.
