Fashion Models typically enter the United States on the H-1B3 visa or the O-1B visa. While both will allow a model to work in the United States, there are important differences between the two visa types.
On the other hand, the O-1 visa is a great option for fashion models and has many advantages. An individual can apply for an O-1 at any time during the year and there are no visa quotas as there are with H-1B visas. O-1 classification can be extended indefinitely—as long as the model continues to work in their field and has a petition sponsor.
An important fact about the O-1 nonimmigrant visa is that the standard of eligibility is higher than the H-1B3. The model must be able to demonstrate that he or she has a reputation of distinction. This requirement can be met by submitting evidence such as: magazine tear sheets, ad campaign work, runway photos, press articles, awards, and high rates of compensation. It is also helpful to demonstrate that the model has worked with distinguished model agencies abroad and to provide testimonial letters from prominent individuals who can confirm the model’s extraordinary reputation and work history. The model must have an agent to sponsor the visa petition as well as an itinerary of upcoming work in the U.S.
