All O-1 applications start with a sponsor petitioning you for your visa. This means that some company or agent based in the US will need to file an application on your behalf to qualify as a suitable candidate for O-1 status.

Where the employer is the petitioner then all that is required is the application being made on your behalf stating the complete package on offer, such as remuneration, length of service etc. This information together with all the documentation attesting to your O-1 qualifications will be submitted for consideration.

For those artistic applicants who are traditionally self-employed but contracted for specific periods, such as in a publishing contract, touring contract, or performance season, the artist’s US agent can act as the petitioner showing copies of the contracts and dates etc of the work to be done. So for example, if an artist is entering the US as part of a nation-wide tour, then the agent will submit the itinerary of that tour and the contract surrounding it. If the artist is coming to record an album or work with other artists, then the artist’s record contract / publishing deal would need to be submitted as part of the application package.

Entertainers Visa Guide: O1