When it comes to U.S. immigration for artists, athletes, or entertainers, many beneficiaries work with multiple employers at the same time. This is especially common in industries such as music, sports, film, and live performance. So how can their immigration paperwork be streamlined?
The answer: U.S. agents can file O-1 or P-1 visa petitions on behalf of multiple employers—if they meet certain requirements outlined by USCIS.
This blog explains the key rules and documentation expectations for agents who want to file O and P petitions involving more than one employer.
When Can a U.S. Agent File an O-1 or P-1 Petition?
A U.S. agent can file a petition in place of multiple employers, provided they act as a representative for both the employers and the beneficiary (the visa applicant).
Required Documentation for Petitions Filed by Agents
To be considered valid, a petition filed by a U.S. agent must include:
- A complete itinerary of each event, service, or engagement. This must include dates, names and addresses of the employers, and names and addresses of the venues or performance locations.
- Contracts between the beneficiary and each of the employers.
- A clear explanation of the terms and conditions of employment.
- Evidence that the agent is authorized to file the petition on behalf of each of the employers. This may be a simple letter or statement—no specific format or template is required.
What Does “In Business as an Agent” Mean?
USCIS does not require the agent to be a full-time agent in a traditional sense. Instead, the petitioner must show that they are authorized to act on behalf of the employers specifically for filing the O or P visa petition.
Examples of acceptable evidence include:
- Letters or statements from the employers confirming the agent’s authorization.
- Agency agreements or fee arrangements related to the engagements.
- Contracts and other documents that demonstrate a working relationship between the agent and the parties involved.
Even if the agent is also the actual employer for one or more of the engagements, they may still act as an agent for the petition, as long as all documentation and authorization requirements are met.
Common Misunderstandings
- No special “agent agreement” form is required by USCIS.
- Compensation is not required in order to prove the agent relationship.
- USCIS adjudicators focus on whether the petitioner has proper authorization to act on behalf of the employers—not whether they are generally in the business of being an agent.
Why This Guidance Still Matters
Even though parts of this 2009 USCIS guidance have been superseded, its foundational points remain useful—especially for agents and employers managing multi-employer O or P petitions. Many visa petitions face delays or denials due to inadequate documentation or misunderstanding of the agent role.
NPZ Law Group regularly assists agents, employers, and foreign nationals with preparing petitions that meet the complex and evolving standards of U.S. immigration law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can a U.S. agent file a petition for both O and P visas?
Yes. An agent may file for either visa classification if they are properly authorized to represent the employers and the beneficiary.
Q2: Is a formal contract between the agent and employers required?
No. A signed letter or statement confirming authorization is generally sufficient. USCIS does not require a specific template.
Q3: Can the agent also be one of the employers?
Yes. However, the agent must still provide supporting documentation to show authorization to act on behalf of the other employers listed in the petition.
Contact Information
If you or your family members have any questions about how immigration and nationality laws in the United States may affect you, or if you want to access additional information about immigration and nationality laws in the United States or Canada, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by calling us at 201-670-0006 extension 104. We also invite you to visit our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.