Canadian Influencer Secures O-1B Visa
Canadian influencer Julia Ayn recently flaunted her assets while applying for a highly sought-after U.S. visa designed for artists with “extraordinary ability.” In a playful video, she sported a low-cut shirt and pastrami, asking provocative questions.
Her visa application was successful, making her one of around 20,000 individuals eligible to enter the U.S. on O-1B visas in 2024.
“Yes, that video was submitted to the U.S. government,” said Ayn, who is 25, while speaking to a publication. “Maybe my only extraordinary talent is that I have big breasts,” she added with a touch of humor.
Ayn isn’t alone; many other social media stars have also qualified for O-1B visas. Initially intended to help legendary artist John Lennon avoid deportation in 1972, this visa was officially recognized in 1990 for foreigners showcasing “extraordinary artistic ability.”
However, there’s been a noticeable shift in the types of applicants over the last decade. While artistic talent has somewhat declined, there’s been an influx of internet personalities—think OnlyFans creators and other high-profile influencers.
“This space has evolved,” immigration lawyer Michael Wiles explained. Notably, Wiles’ father played a role in keeping Lennon in the U.S., and he has helped various artists like Sinead O’Connor and Boy George secure their O-1 visas.
Wiles mentions that the types of clients seeking these visas have changed over time, now including esports athletes, influencers, and other digital creators.
Wiles and other immigration attorneys are observing a rise in demand for O-1B assistance from content creators. Some estimates indicate that around 65% of these clients express their artistic talents through revealing content online.
In her viral video, Ayn humorously posed a question while at Katz’s Deli: “Would you rather have one night with me, or eat this sandwich for a whole year?” This playful approach likely caught the eyes of immigration officials.
However, securing an O-1B visa requires that applicants demonstrate their artistic ability through various criteria, including a history of acclaim, significant income, or notable success in their field.
“I worked hard to get this visa,” Ayn stated, adding that her pastrami video has garnered over 11 million views, plenty of likes, and numerous comments. All of this online activity plays a role in proving her worth to U.S. immigration authorities.
“It sounds a bit crazy, but it’s evidence… people are paying attention,” Ayn mentioned, describing herself as “a funny Jewish girl with big breasts.”
Many of her videos showcase her antics around New York City, often with a group of friends she refers to as “Milk Mansion.”
“I’m joking, I’m not serious,” she clarified, indicating that her application included about 20 videos, follower counts, and testimonials from other influencers she has collaborated with.
Ayn articulated her motivation for wanting to be in the U.S., citing New York as a hub for Jewish culture and her aim to use humor to lighten the mood amid rising anti-Semitism.
“Regardless of whether you think I have talent, the numbers show I’m generating revenue for the U.S. economy,” she emphasized.
Immigration lawyers like Wiles support Ayn’s case, indicating that applicants must prove their uniqueness in their field.
“They have to demonstrate how they compare to others achieving success,” Wiles noted.
It’s not entirely clear how many O-1B visas have gone to content creators. The 20,000 granted in 2024 also includes O-1A recipients, who have demonstrated exceptional talent in fields like business, science, and athletics.
Typically, both types of visas need to be renewed after three years. Wiles anticipates that “hundreds, not thousands” of recent O-1B recipients will be from the content creation sphere, highlighting this dynamic sector within modern media.
“It’s not merely about doing something provocative,” he said. “It has established an industry, keeping America at the forefront of global entertainment and culture.”
