The United States government has been granting increasing numbers of specialized visas to OnlyFans sex workers and social media influencers through a program originally designed for individuals with extraordinary creative talents.
The O-1B visa category, historically reserved for accomplished artists and performers, has experienced a dramatic shift in its applicant pool over recent years.
The Financial Times reports that this visa classification is now being utilized by content creators from platforms like OnlyFans and various social media sites.
Immigration attorney Michael Wildes, who previously represented high-profile clients, acknowledged the changing landscape of his profession.
He stated that his days of working with recognizable names were finished, referring to the new wave of applicants as those who dominate social media platforms.
The O-1B visa was established for individuals demonstrating exceptional ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries.
The same category also covers those with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business or athletics.
Several immigration attorneys report that influencers now comprise approximately half of their total client base.
These cases have become increasingly common due to the quantifiable nature of social media success metrics.
Immigration lawyer Elektra Yao explained that follower counts and engagement numbers create straightforward cases for approval.
She noted that ordinary people find large follower numbers impressive, suggesting the evaluation process does not require advanced expertise.
Statistical data reveals significant growth in O-1B visa issuance over the past decade.
Between 2014 and 2024, the number of O-1B visas granted increased by more than 50 percent.
During this same period, non-immigration visas overall grew by only 10 percent.
The O-1B category remains a relatively small portion of total visa issuances by the United States government. However, the upward trend in applications and approvals continues to accelerate.
Approximately 20,000 O-1B visas were issued in 2024.
These visas provide temporary work authorization for individuals whose talents are deemed exceptional in their respective fields.
Immigration lawyer Jacob Sapochnick described his experience with his first OnlyFans client seeking an O-1B visa to the Florida Phoenix.
Initially uncertain about the case, his perspective changed after reviewing the applicant’s earnings data.
The client was generating $250,000 monthly through the platform, which Sapochnick found compelling evidence for the visa application.
The visa program that once brought performers such as Yoko Ono to America now serves a substantially different demographic.
Immigration lawyer Protima Daryanani voiced worries about approval standards.
She indicated that applicants who may not meet the spirit of the extraordinary ability requirement are receiving approvals.
Daryanani suggested the program has been diluted because applicants are simply satisfying basic categorical requirements.
