OPINION: O-1 Visas for Influencers

January 7, 2026 Protima Daryanani

I was recently quoted in an article about O-1B’s for Influencers and their impact on O-1 adjudications in general. After reading the piece, I don’t think my quote accurately reflects my opinion on the topic and so, I wanted to take this opportunity to clarify my thoughts.

I don’t believe influencers applying for O-1B visas displace musicians, artists, designers, architects, or models within the O-1 category. The classification is not zero sum, and multiple professional profiles can qualify at the same time if they independently meet the legal standard. In practice, I continue to see strong cases approved across traditional arts disciplines alongside newer creator driven fields.

Visas for Influencers: Building Their Brand in the US

May 15, 2025 Protima Daryanani

"A US brand offered me a six-month contract, but my tourist visa doesn’t let me work. What are my options?"

This is one of the most common questions we hear from content creators and digital branding experts who are expanding their work internationally. Whether foreign nationals are landing major brand deals, launching their own label, or simply trying to grow their audience in the US, immigration rules can feel like a confusing roadblock. The reality is that there is no visa category labeled “influencer” but that doesn’t mean US immigration law doesn’t have options for foreign nationals. In fact, there are several. Some visas are designed for short visits or business meetings, others for entrepreneurs who want to open a company, and still others for those who have built a career that meets the legal definition of “extraordinary.” Choosing the right visa is a critical first step if foreign nationals are serious about working, growing, and collaborating in the US legally.

Visa Options for Social Media Influencers and Content Creators

September 19, 2024 Protima Daryanani

I remember when I first downloaded Instagram on my iPhone. Like many others, I instantly fell in love with the app. Even if I was in my office in Manhattan on a freezing cold gray winter day, with Instagram I could be transported to a new restaurant in Mexico City, an art exhibit in Buenos Aires, or an oceanside bungalow in the Maldives (preferably sipping a delicious beverage). Sure, not all the photos in my feed were so glamorous or exciting—I still got plenty of food photos from my friends and family (looks delicious, mom!)—but, as trite as it sounds, Instagram opened a whole world of sights, people, and experiences (not to mention memes).

And thanks to Instagram and other social media platforms, we have influencers and content creators, two professions that have always existed in some form but not quite in the same powerful way as they do now. In this post, we’ll discuss US visa options for social media influencers and content creators looking to expand their horizons to the US. As always, this is a general post for informational purposes only. Any influencer or content creator should DM aka consult a qualified immigration attorney to discuss their specific situation.

Balloon Museum

January 12, 2024 Guest User

Balloon Museum is far more than an immersive display that is fun for all ages, it is a collection of the works of fourteen international artists who have come together to create this extraordinary experience. Interactive installations, like the seemingly infinite mirror wall (first picture) by Tadao Cern. and the huggable inflatable blob beings by Rub Kandy (second picture), actively invite participants to engage with the art. With each artist offering their unique perspective on the shared theme of balloons, the museum unfolds as a vibrant celebration of artistic diversity. The integration of all these distinct art expressions into a cohesive display is truly what makes this exhibition exceptional.

The traveling museum has become an iconic backdrop for photos, even attracting attention from TV characters like one of our favorite expats, Emily, from "Emily in Paris," who visits Balloon Museum in Season Three of the show. After visiting the London exhibition, the Guardian proclaimed it "very Instagrammable.” We agree!

Whether you are looking for an interactive form of art, a viral-worthy pic, or just a good time, make sure you get to Balloon Museum before it travels to its next location on January 14.

Behind the News Story: Business Insider: "Instagram Almost Lost One of its Cofounders Because He Couldn't Get a Work Visa"

January 7, 2016 Carolyn Szaiff Alvarez

Instagram is one of the world’s most popular social media networks, known for its easy-to-use interface for sharing photographs. Indeed, in December 2014, the company was valued at $35 billion, according to Citigroup analysts. Back in April 2015, Business Insider published an article claiming that the company “almost lost one of its cofounders because he couldn’t get a work visa.” A native of Brazil, Mike Krieger is a co-founder and the chief technology officer at Instagram. According to the article, Mr. Krieger had difficulty transferring his H-1B visa from his previous employer, Meebo, to Instagram in 2010. The process is said to have taken Mr. Krieger over three months—longer than it took to develop the first version of Instagram! Mr. Krieger said he almost was not able to work at Instagram because of the delay, and the article goes onto conflate Mr. Krieger’s visa delay with the annual H-1B cap and lottery.