⟪3 Essential Tips for International Artists to Secure O-1 3-year Itinerary DEAL MEMO/EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT⟫

Many international artists face a major hurdle when applying for a three-year O-1 visa — — We don’t have enough job offers or deal memos to meet the petition requirements.

If you’re one of them, here are three actionable strategies to help you overcome this challenge and move forward in your creative career.

→ Youtue Video: https://youtu.be/gehlGIx5fq0?si=2awI0RTs8OQcjWBq

I. About Yanzi Ding and my artist path in the U.S

Hello! I’m an actor and performer based in New York City and Taiwan.

After studying acting in NYC, I completed my OPT year, then skipped the O-1 visa and applied directly for a green card — yes, there is a strategy behind that.

I currently work at an immigration law firm, where I help international artists plan and prepare their O-1 visa and green card applications through personalized strategies and creative resources.

*About me: yanziding.com

II. What is O-1 Agent? Things We Need to Know First

If you’re not employed full-time by a single company for the entire three-year duration, you’ll need to file under the “Agent Petition” model.

*What is the Agent Model?

You designate an agent (a person or legal entity) to file on your behalf.

Your agent must submit multiple job offers and deal memos, gathered from legal entities like:

1.Production companies

2.Nonprofits

3.Universities

4.Theaters

5.Studios

6.Arts organizations

Good news: these agreements are typically non-binding.

You don’t have to fulfill every single job listed — completing two or three is usually enough, as long as your real jobs align with your stated itinerary.

III. Three Proven Strategies to Secure Your Deal Memos

1. Leverage Your Professors (While You’re Still in School)

If your professors are well-connected — running festivals, exhibitions, publications, or producing shows — build relationships now.

Later on, they can provide letters of recommendation and even deal memos for future collaborations.

Even if their studios aren’t formally registered companies, you can still include one or two of these “big names” as supporting memos — as long as other deal memos are from real legal entities.

2. Turn Every Gig into a Long-Term Relationship

If you’re currently freelancing or working through OPT: Stay in touch with the teams or companies who hired you. Let them know you’re applying for the O-1 visa, and ask for a simple deal memo or letter of intent.

Educate them: it’s non-binding, low-risk, and immensely helpful to your visa case.

If they liked working with you, they’ll likely say yes.

3. Propose Creative Collaborations to Potential Employers

Even if you don’t know a company personally:

Reach out with a clear creative proposal — a performance idea, design project, workshop, or co-production.

Offer your services as a volunteer or pitch a revenue-sharing model. Frame it as a win-win.

Many organizations are open to supporting international artists — but you must make the first move.

IV. Collaboration

As I have my own creative production company, I’m open to collaborating with international artists.

If you’d like to discuss a potential project, you’re welcome to reach out.

In certain cases, I can also act as your agent and provide deal memos through my company.

V. Planning Your O-1 or Green Card Strategy

Whether you’re preparing during your OPT year or looking ahead to life after graduation, I can help you design a solid plan for your visa or permanent residency.

*To request a consultation, email my assistant hsinhsinpiglet@gmail.com

*About U.S. Artist Yanzi Ding: yanziding.com

→ Youtue Video: https://youtu.be/gehlGIx5fq0?si=2awI0RTs8OQcjWBq

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