U.S. visas for 'extraordinary ability' are increasingly going to influencers and OnlyFans creators

"O-1B visas are for immigrants of "extraordinary ability," originally designed for acclaimed artists, musicians, athletes, and scholars, But increasingly they're being handed out to people with a more modern definition of "extraordinary ability": influencers and OnlyFans creators. Immigration lawyers say social media influencers now make up more than half of their O-1 visa applicants, according to a recent report by the Financial Times."

"To qualify for an O-1B visa type applicants must submit evidence of at least three of the six regulatory criteria. These include, but are not limited to, performing a leading or starring role in a distinguished production or event, national or international recognition for achievements, and a high salary compared to others in the field. USCIS regulations do not prescribe limits over what falls under the umbrella term "the arts"."

"While traditionally this might have been singers and actors, these days content creators are dominating new forms of media as cultural influence has shifted online. The annual number of O-1 visas approved rose by more than 50% between 2014 and 2024, far outpacing the roughly 10% growth in nonimmigrant visas overall. Still, O-1s make up only a small fraction of the system: Fewer than 20,000 were issued in 2024, versus the hundreds of thousands of H-1B work visas granted."

O-1B visas target immigrants with "extraordinary ability" across arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics and were originally used for acclaimed artists, musicians, athletes, and scholars. The definition of "extraordinary ability" is open to interpretation and applicants must show evidence meeting at least three of six regulatory criteria, such as leading roles, national or international recognition, or a high salary. Social media influencers and OnlyFans creators increasingly receive O-1B visas, with influencers comprising a large share of applicants. O-1 approvals grew over 50% from 2014 to 2024 but remained under 20,000 in 2024.

Read at Fast Company