TL;DR
Content creators, including influencers and OnlyFans models, are increasingly applying for O-1 visas, with approvals rising about 50% from 2014 to 2024. Applicants are using social-media metrics and commercial earnings as evidence to meet O-1B criteria, sparking debate over how the visa category is adapting to the creator economy.
What happened
U.S. O-1 visas, intended for non‑immigrant workers with "extraordinary ability," are being sought more frequently by social-media creators and subscription-platform personalities. Recent reporting shows O-1 grants grew roughly 50% between 2014 and 2024. The O-1A covers fields such as science and business, while O-1B is for extraordinary achievement in arts and related areas; influencers typically apply under O-1B. Applicants must document at least three of six regulatory criteria, and lawyers and adjudicators are increasingly accepting follower counts, streaming numbers and platform income as part of that evidence. The Guardian profiled creators who secured or pursued O-1s: Julia Ain, a Canadian creator with about 1.3 million combined followers whose Fanfix sponsor supported her O-1B; Luca Mornet, who moved from an F-1/OPT situation to an O-1B; and chess streamer Dina Belenkaya, whose sizable Instagram, Twitch and YouTube followings were included in her successful application. Bands and creators continue to campaign and spend significant legal fees while outcomes remain uneven.
Why it matters
- The creator economy is increasingly recognized in immigration practice, expanding how "extraordinary ability" evidence is interpreted.
- Changes in adjudication could open a new pathway for international digital talent to work in the U.S.
- The trend raises questions about consistency and standards for a visa category historically used for high-profile entertainers.
- Rising use of O-1s by creators highlights tensions between immigration policy, labor monetization on platforms, and public perception of who merits special visas.
Key facts
- O-1 visa approvals rose by about 50% between 2014 and 2024, per cited reporting.
- O-1A is for extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business or athletics; O-1B covers extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts and related fields.
- Applicants must submit evidence meeting at least three of six regulatory criteria, such as national/international recognition, distinguished performances, or commercial success.
- Law firms report using social-media reach and platform earnings as part of O-1B applications for influencers, OnlyFans creators and streamers.
- Julia Ain, a Canadian creator, reported roughly 1.3 million combined followers and said her Fanfix sponsorship supported her O-1B application; she reports making five figures per month on that platform.
- Dina Belenkaya included follower counts—Instagram ~1.2M, Twitch ~108,000, YouTube ~799,000—in her successful O-1 application, approved in December 2023; she relocated to Charlotte afterward.
- Creator Luca Mornet moved from F-1 student status and OPT work authorization to an O-1B after graduating.
- Band Boy Throb campaigned to reach 1 million TikTok followers to help a member's O-1 filing and the group has spent more than $10,000 on legal and processing fees; the visa outcome for that member is unclear.
What to watch next
- Whether U.S. agencies will issue formal guidance clarifying how social-media metrics and platform income count toward O-1 criteria (not confirmed in the source).
- The result of the Boy Throb member Darshan Magdum’s O-1 application and similar pending cases (not confirmed in the source).
- Any shifts in approval rates or adjudication standards for O-1 visas beyond 2024 (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- O-1 visa: A non‑immigrant U.S. work visa for individuals who demonstrate extraordinary ability in their field.
- O-1A: An O-1 subcategory for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business or athletics.
- O-1B: An O-1 subcategory for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement in the arts and related fields.
- OPT: Optional Practical Training, a temporary employment authorization for some international students after graduation.
- Creator economy: Economic activity driven by individuals who produce and monetize digital content across social platforms and subscription services.
Reader FAQ
Does a large follower count guarantee an O-1 visa?
No. The source indicates follower counts and earnings have been used as evidence, but meeting O-1 requires satisfying regulatory criteria and is not automatic.
What evidence do influencers submit for O-1B applications?
Applicants commonly include social-media metrics, platform income and records of recognition or commercial success to meet at least three of the required criteria.
Has the O-1 been used historically for similar applicants?
The O-1B was originally associated with prominent entertainers and musicians; the source says its use has expanded to include influencers, streamers and OnlyFans creators.
Are application costs and legal fees covered in the reporting?
The source notes one band spent more than $10,000 on legal and processing fees, but comprehensive cost figures are not provided.
View image in fullscreen Some influencers with sizable followings have obtained O-1 visas. Photograph: FreshSplash/Getty Images US immigration Influencers and OnlyFans models are increasingly requesting O-1 visas: ‘This is the…
Sources
- Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests
- OnlyFans stars and TikTok influencers are 'dominating' …
- How OnlyFans Creators Are Winning O-1B Visas- Sex Sells
- OnlyFans models, influencers claiming over half of coveted …
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