The U.S. government is increasingly approving artist visas for models and influencers on platforms like OnlyFans, with a notable focus on their follower counts rather than traditional merit. This shift, highlighted by reporting from the Financial Times, indicates that social media popularity is becoming a key criterion for obtaining O-1 visas, which are designated for individuals demonstrating extraordinary ability in their fields.
Over the past decade, the issuance of O-1 visas has surged, with approvals increasing by over 50 percent from 2014 to 2024. While the total number of O-1 visas remains significantly lower than the more common H-1B visas for skilled workers, experts suggest that the criteria for these artist visas have adapted to accommodate the rise of online influencers.
Legal experts, including immigration attorney Shervin Abachi, have noted that applications increasingly rely on quantifiable metrics, such as follower counts and subscription earnings. “Officers are being handed petitions where value is framed almost entirely through algorithm-based metrics,” Abachi remarked. This development raises concerns about the implications of reducing artistic merit to mere numbers on a screen.
Changing Landscape of Immigration Law
The evolving landscape of visa approvals has prompted a noticeable shift in the type of clients that immigration attorneys are representing. According to attorney Michael Wildes, the focus has shifted from traditional artists, like musicians and painters, to contemporary online figures from platforms such as OnlyFans and TikTok. Wildes expressed, “I knew the days of representing iconic names like Boy George and Sinéad O’Connor were over.”
Some attorneys estimate that influencers now account for more than half of their clientele, reflecting a significant change in the priorities of the immigration system. Abachi characterized this trend as a “structural shift” in immigration law, suggesting that what appears to be a spike in influencer filings could indicate broader changes in how opportunities are allocated in the U.S.
The implications of this trend extend beyond the realm of immigration, as it could redefine the standards by which artistic success is measured. The normalization of using social media metrics as a benchmark may shift the focus from traditional artistic accomplishments to digital visibility and audience engagement.
Future of the Arts and Immigration
As the U.S. continues to adapt its immigration policies, the impact on the arts and entertainment sectors remains to be seen. The prioritization of followers and digital presence may create a new wave of artists who thrive in the online space but may lack the traditional credentials associated with artistic merit.
This ongoing transformation in visa approvals highlights the intersection of technology, culture, and immigration, and the potential for social media to influence the pathways available for aspiring artists in the United States. As the landscape continues to evolve, it will be crucial to monitor how these changes shape the future of artistic expression and immigration policy.
