One of the most popular destinations has always been America. From the Golden Gate Bridge, the Grand Canyon, to the Statue of Liberty, the country has a large variety to offer. This includes the fashion industry, where multiple models come to America to work with various American model agencies. And many get to walk runways for prominent designers at significant events such as Los Angeles Fashion Week, Miami Fashion Week and New York Fashion Week.
There are a couple things you may need to plan to enter the USA, and the most important include the ESTA visa for America. Irish and British nationals are exempted from requiring a visa to the USA. Instead, they travel to the USA via the VWP (Visa Waiver Program). The ESTA does not need someone to visit their embassy to have their passport stamped, and neither is it expensive.
This is because you can acquire an ESTA by applying online via the website. To apply, you will need to fill in your information as instructed and answer a few security questions to certify that you are not a threat. You should get a response to your status in seconds.
Most models generally enter the USA on the O-1B visa or the H-1B3 visa. Both allow models to work in the USA, but the two types of visa have differences. The H-1B3 visa is given to models who show the status of renowned ability and merit. An individual can only remain in the H-1B status for only six years, and there can be exceptions for those applying for permanent residence in the USA. Unfortunately, the timeline in which the petition is filed does not favour the fashion field.
The 0-1B visa is usually the best option for models since it has many advantages. First, the model can apply for the visa at any time of the year, and no visa quotas exist, unlike the H-1B visa. You can extend an O-1 visa indefinitely, provided the model is still working within the fashion field and has a sponsor. The standard for suitability for nonimmigrant o-1 visas is higher than H-1B3 visa.
The model has to demonstrate that they have a standard of distinction, and they can prove this by giving evidence like runway photos, awards, press articles etc. It is essential to show that a model has been working with re-known model agencies abroad and provide testimonial letters from noticeable people who can approve the model’s work history and reputation.
Furthermore, the model requires an agent that will sponsor the petition for the visa, and the model will need an itinerary of the work they intend to do in the USA. It is alright to allow a team of lawyers and paralegals to guide you by making an O-1 petition since it will make it easy to move through each step, maximize chances for approval, and address concerns you may have.
Having this visa should lessen your checklist while preparing to go to America and ensure that your USA experience is pleasant.
I need to be a model in USA