On the wall of immigration attorney Michael Wildes’s office, there’s a large photo of Yoko Ono and John Lennon. His father once fought for their right to stay in the U.S. Fast forward to today, and Wildes finds himself helping a different kind of client: social media influencers and models from platforms like OnlyFans.
According to Wildes, it’s clear the era of helping legendary stars like Boy George is shifting. Now, he calls these new clients “scroll kings and queens.” The demand for O-1B visas, meant for individuals with extraordinary talent in creative fields, has surged. This increase started after the Covid-19 pandemic, as more influencers seek to showcase their skills in the U.S.
Recent statistics show a significant rise in these visa applications. Attorneys report that influencers now constitute over half of their client base. The metrics associated with influencers—like follower counts and engagement rates—are easy to validate, making it simpler for lawyers to prove their clients’ exceptional abilities.
“You don’t need a PhD,” says Elektra Yao, an immigration lawyer. “Just a large number of followers can catch attention.”
From 2014 to 2024, the number of granted O-1 visas increased by over 50%, while non-immigrant visas overall only rose by 10%. Still, O-1 visas are a small slice of the total, with fewer than 20,000 issued in 2024. For comparison, tens of thousands of H-1B visas are handed out to skilled workers each year.
Wildes’s father played a vital role in establishing the O-1B visa. In 1972, during a heated battle to keep Lennon in the country, he advocated for a visa that acknowledged artists’ unique contributions. This resulted in Congress formalizing the O-1B visa with the Immigration Act of 1990.
To qualify for an O-1B visa today, applicants need proof of achievements, which can now include social media success. For instance, a high follower count and brand endorsements can be viewed as significant commercial success. Fiona McEntee, another immigration attorney, highlights the skill involved in turning social media into a livelihood, stating, “It’s a talent that not many possess.”
However, there are concerns about how this outdated criteria could impact traditional artists. Some lawyers fear that the rise of influencer culture might dilute what it means to be “exceptional.” Protima Daryanani pointed out that some individuals who shouldn’t qualify are getting approved, simply because they meet the basic requirements.
Shervin Abachi raised alarms that traditional artists might be unfairly judged. He explains that immigration officials are increasingly relying on social media metrics, which doesn’t account for artists whose work doesn’t gain traction online. This change could reshape the cultural landscape, making it more challenging for talented individuals without a strong social media presence.
“This isn’t just a phase,” Abachi warns. “It signals a significant shift in how talent and opportunity are assessed.” As the world of art evolves, those who depend solely on traditional methods may face tougher hurdles in this new digital age.
Overall, the rise in influencer applications could be a sign of a broader cultural transformation—a shift where online traction becomes a key measure of artistic merit.
For further insights, feel free to explore resources provided by the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA).
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