The landscape of American immigration is undergoing a profound shift, driven by the digital age. Content creators, influencers, and OnlyFans models are now dominating applications for the prestigious O-1 visa, a category traditionally reserved for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in fields like science, athletics, and the arts.
From Pandemic Pastime to Visa Pathway
The trend has accelerated dramatically, with the number of O-1 visas granted annually soaring by 50% between 2014 and 2024. This visa allows non-immigrants to work temporarily in the United States and is split into two streams: the O-1A for extraordinary achievement in sciences, education, business, or athletics, and the O-1B for those with extraordinary ability in the arts.
For individuals like Julia Ain, a 25-year-old Canadian, what began as a lockdown distraction evolved into a lucrative career and a ticket to the US. "I was bored during the pandemic and started posting on TikTok," she explained. With 1.3 million followers across platforms and a five-figure monthly income from the subscription platform Fanfix, her online success formed the backbone of a successful O-1B application sponsored by the company.
Similarly, Luca Mornet from France found his F-1 student visa restrictive as his influencer career took off while studying in New York. He applied for an O-1B shortly after graduating, finally enabling him to monetise his content freely.
Redefining 'Extraordinary Ability' for the Digital Era
Immigration attorney Michael Wildes, whose firm has represented icons like footballer Pelé and musician Sinéad O'Connor, now counts social media influencers and Twitch streamers among his clients. "We started doing [O-1 applications] for kids who are e-sport players and influencers and the OnlyFans crew," Wildes stated. "It's the new, sexy medium for people to be a part of."
To qualify, applicants must meet at least three of six criteria, which can include national recognition and a record of commercial success. For this new generation, evidence comes in the form of follower counts, engagement metrics, and subscription revenue.
Dina Belenkaya, a Russian-Israeli chess player and content creator, secured her O-1B in December 2023. Her application prominently featured her 1.2 million Instagram followers and substantial audiences on Twitch and YouTube. Following approval, she relocated to Charlotte, North Carolina.
The High Stakes and Heated Debate
The pursuit of these visas can be an expensive and uncertain endeavour. The musical group Boy Throb embarked on a concerted campaign to gain 1 million TikTok followers specifically to bolster band member Darshan Magdum's O-1 application from India. The effort succeeded within a month, but the band has spent over $10,000 in legal and processing fees with no guaranteed outcome.
This seismic change in who accesses "extraordinary ability" visas has sparked controversy. Some commentators view it as a sign of cultural decline. However, proponents like Wildes argue it reflects economic reality. "Influencers are filling a large gap in the retail and commercial interests of the world," he said. "They're moving content and purchases like no other. Immigration has to keep up with this."
Julia Ain pushes back against critics who question the legitimacy of influencing as a profession. "I don't think people realise how much work actually goes into it," she remarked. Reflecting on the evolving concept of success, she concluded: "Maybe 50 years ago, this isn't what people imagined the American dream would look like. But this is what the American dream is now."
