According to a recent report, OnlyFans models and social media influencers now qualify for the O-1B visa, which was initially designed to attract artists of “extraordinary ability.” An immigration lawyer revealed that because these creators earn significant income and achieve widespread recognition, they can now meet the visa’s eligibility criteria. Following the pandemic and the rise of digital careers, applications from social media personalities have reportedly increased.
OnlyFans models and influencers to get US work visa
A recent report suggests a rise in applications for O-1B visas from OnlyFans models and influencers, who create content on various social media platforms. The visa was initially designed to attract top artistic talent, but its applications are now dominated mainly by creators and social media influencers. Miami attorney Joe Bovino told the Florida Phoenix, “It’s not just cat videos anymore, it’s social media influencers making lots of money.”
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the visa is typically meant for “Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry.” To qualify for the visa, one is required to have achieved a high level of recognition in the arts field. “This is evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that you are prominent, renowned, leading, or well-known in the field of arts,” as stated by the website.
Following the pandemic, there has been a surge in digital careers, with many individuals starting to create content for various social media platforms, gradually earning fame and substantial paychecks. As they meet the required criteria for the visa, they are now eligible to apply for it. Bovino added, “If you can make money there, suddenly it becomes a basis for a potential visa application.” The visa was created in 1990 by the Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649.
