What happened

Financial Times reports: influencers and models, including those who earn on platforms like OnlyFans, are increasingly obtaining O‑1B visas in the US — the category for “extraordinary” artists. Since the pandemic the number of such applications has risen sharply; influencers now constitute the majority of clients in this visa category.

“Since the pandemic the number of these applications has grown rapidly, and social‑media popularity is increasingly being treated as evidence of professional standing.”

— immigration lawyers and Financial Times

Data and context

According to the report, around 20,000 O‑1B visas were issued in 2024 — less than one tenth of the total volume of H‑1B visas for highly skilled workers. Over the past decade the number of O‑1B visas has grown by more than 50%, and influencers and models make up over half of applicants.

Why it matters (for the reader)

This is not just about careers or PR: O‑1B visas are a way to move income, connections and platform abroad, and therefore real foreign‑currency flows. For Ukraine this has three dimensions: economic (foreign‑currency receipts and investments), fiscal (questions of tax payment by residents and non‑residents) and cultural (what we consider art in the digital age).

Ukrainian dimension

The piece also includes local data: Ukrainian models earned about $123 million on OnlyFans over three years. At the same time, the State Tax Service (DPS) reported a tax debt of creators who published content in 2020–2022 totaling UAH 384.7 million and insists on taxing incomes at a rate of 18%. This shows that financial gains and issues of legality/taxation are moving in parallel.

Risks and opportunities

Rethinking the criteria for O‑1B is an adaptation of the system to new forms of creativity. Experts are divided: some believe the system reflects current realities, others fear that privileging popularity over traditional achievements dilutes the concept of art. For Ukraine this is an opportunity to strengthen soft power — but it must be accompanied by resolving tax and reputational issues so that creators’ incomes do not go into the shadows and instead benefit the community.

Conclusion

Turning social popularity into a formal “professional” status under US immigration law is a trend that opens practical opportunities for Ukrainian creators. The question is whether we can convert these opportunities into sustainable gains — through transparent tax policy, education and institutional support. If not, part of the profits and influence will simply be drawn out of our economy and cultural space.