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Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests

theguardian.com

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Re: Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests

#3
post #2

OK I've got to know...which of these does OF fall under >extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics

That's for only one of the subtypes of visa. The official site (https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary...) mentions a few more options, which would probably turn out to cover onlyfans if you get the right sort of professional advice:

> The O-1 nonimmigrant visa is for the individual who possesses extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, or athletics, or who has a demonstrated record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or television industry and has been recognized nationally or internationally for those achievements

Re: Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests

#6
post #2

OK I've got to know...which of these does OF fall under >extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics

That's O-1A. O-1B: Individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in motion picture or television industry.

Re: Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests

#9
Such articles are interesting because they're tacit disapproval, but I would argue that this use of the O-1 is the most American way to use it.

There's a reason why Hollywood became the Earth's center of cultural gravity post-WW2, https://goldenglobes.com/articles/exiles-and-emigres-hollywo...

You may argue that these people aren't of such import, but I would beg to differ. This is the future of culture. These people shape the culture that the young people around you consume. They create the memes of six-seven-ification.

Re: Influencers and OnlyFans models are dominating U.S. O-1 visa requests

#10
It's funny, early on it says

> The O-1 category includes the O-1A, which is designated for individuals with extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business or athletics and the O-1B, reserved for those with “extraordinary ability or achievement”.

Then later it says

> The O-1B visa, once reserved for Hollywood titans and superstar musicians, has evolved over the years.

I understand those two aren't necessarily contradictory, but the wording of the first sentence paints a very different mental picture than the second one (at least it did for me), especially since they throw in the O-1A and then almost exclusively talk about people applying for the O-1B after that.

Personally, I don't want the US choosing to give visas to influencers over scientists, but if this visa was already being heavily used to bring in actors, musicians, and athletes I don't see what the hubbub is about. I don't use TikTok or OnlyFans and I don't find e-sports entertaining, but I have a hard time arguing that a screen actor, Victoria's Secret model, or soccer player should be worthy of a visa and a social media star, OnlyFans model, or a professional Counter Strike player shouldn't is not. It's all just entertainment.

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