A significant cultural shift is underway in the corridors of US immigration, where traditional artists are being outpaced by a new wave of digital creators. According to a report by the Financial Times, social media influencers and OnlyFans models have become the major beneficiaries of the coveted O-1B artist visa in the United States. Published on January 6, 2026, the analysis highlights how clear metrics like streams, views, and follower counts are simplifying the process for these 'scroll kings and queens' to prove their exceptional talent.
The Rise of the 'Scroll Kings and Queens'
The report cites prominent immigration attorney Michael Wildes, whose father Leon Wildes famously defended John Lennon and Yoko Ono in a landmark deportation case in 1972. Wildes notes that influencers and streaming stars are now far ahead of traditional artists in securing O-1B visa approvals. This visa category is specifically reserved for individuals with 'exceptional ability' in the arts. The O-1A visa, its counterpart, caters to those with extraordinary achievements in science, business, education, or athletics.
Interestingly, it was Leon Wildes's defence of Lennon and Ono that helped pave the way for the creation of the O-1B visa, which was later codified by the US Congress in the Immigration Act of 1990. To qualify, an applicant must demonstrate they have performed in a leading role for a distinguished production or show a record of commercial success and significant recognition from experts.
Why Influencers Are Winning the Visa Game
Immigration attorneys explain that proving 'exceptional' talent can be a murky and subjective process. This is where online creators hold a distinct advantage. Likes, subscriber numbers, views, and streaming data provide tangible, easy-to-quantify metrics that immigration officers can readily understand.
"A lay person is very easily impressed by a large number of followers. You don't need to be a rocket scientist," Elektra Yao, founding partner of the Yao Law Group, told the Financial Times. Fiona McEntee of the McEntee Law Group added that a significant follower count and high earnings can directly prove commercial success, while brand contracts serve as endorsements of talent. She emphasized that making a living from social media is a genuine skill, given the vast number of users who try and fail.
The data supports this trend. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of O-1 visa issuances jumped by more than 50%, with the total number of non-immigrant visas rising by 10%. While the O-1 share remains relatively low (under 20,000 in 2024), the composition of its recipients is changing dramatically.
The Broader Cultural and Structural Shift
However, this trend is not without its critics and concerns. Shervin Abachi, founder of Abachi Law in New York City, warned that framing artistic value almost entirely through algorithm-based metrics could disadvantage non-commercial talents. "Once that becomes normalised, the system moves towards treating artistic merit like a scoreboard," Abachi stated.
He described this as a structural shift in how opportunity is allocated, not just a niche development. The spike in influencer visa applications signals a broader change in how cultural impact and artistic success are measured in the digital age. The era where immigration officers review petitions filled with YouTube analytics and Instagram insights is now firmly here, redefining what it means to be an 'exceptional artist' eligible for a US visa.
