What was quoted below is really just codifying what existed in practice, that is, founders/owners of companies getting sponsored by their own companies. To answer your question, a job offer/employment is still a requirement and I haven't seen any major changes yet in the adjudication of O-1 petitions.
I'm pretty sure the job offer requirement is still in effect, and will remain in effect, since the O is an employment-based visa. What made you think it had changed?
"USCIS now permits separate legal entities, such as corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) owned by the beneficiary, to file O-1 petitions on their behalf. This change provides a significant advantage for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals."
What was quoted below is really just codifying what existed in practice, that is, founders/owners of companies getting sponsored by their own companies. To answer your question, a job offer/employment is still a requirement and I haven't seen any major changes yet in the adjudication of O-1 petitions.
I'm pretty sure the job offer requirement is still in effect, and will remain in effect, since the O is an employment-based visa. What made you think it had changed?
https://rjimmigrationlaw.com/resources/o-1-visa-update-new-e...
"USCIS now permits separate legal entities, such as corporations or limited liability companies (LLCs) owned by the beneficiary, to file O-1 petitions on their behalf. This change provides a significant advantage for entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals."
I am interested if it actually works in practice.