Influencer Visas Rebrand 'Extraordinary'

U.S. adjudicators and immigration counsel are increasingly treating platform metrics (followers, engagement, brand deals, appearance fees) as material proof of 'extraordinary ability' for O‑1B artist visas, effectively translating algorithmic popularity into a fast track for entry and work authorization. The shift reallocates a scarce immigration channel toward monetized creators and sex‑work personalities, with measurable growth in O‑1 issuances concentrated on social‑media talent. — This reframes immigration and cultural policy: who counts as an 'artist' and who gains privileged mobility rights is now partly decided by platform economics, with consequences for equity, traditional arts ecosystems, and the integrity of visa standards.