I'm a German model and I really want to work in more countries than Europe.
How does it work to get a US visa for models that I can get paid jobs?
I heard they use the H1B for it
I'm a German model and I really want to work in more countries than Europe.
How does it work to get a US visa for models that I can get paid jobs?
I heard they use the H1B for it
thx for your help
Next to impossible.
You need to either be in the "super model" category or have sponsorship from a US employer; which is tough to get - they have to show you are doing a job they are having issues getting a local to do.
The best way is to get signed by an agency and then have them apply for you. The agency will then basically hold your visa, but then you'll be legal to work. Without a right to work permit is basically illegal for you to do paid work in the US and you can be deported(not likely). A lot of Photographers on here won't work with you without a permit.
Now this thread has the potential to be very informative and very helpful, for both US photographers that hire or shoot with non US models as well as non US models that come to the US to shoot.
Jaguar Photography wrote: The best way is to get signed by an agency and then have them apply for you. The agency will then basically hold your visa, but then you'll be legal to work. Without a right to work permit is basically illegal for you to do paid work in the US and you can be deported(not likely). A lot of Photographers on here won't work with you without a permit.
I have read posts on here about non US models getting turned away at the border just because they had their portfolios with them, and even if they were planning on doing TF** shoots, in some eyes even though it is TF** they still consider it a form of payment, and that would be illegal for a non US citizen without a work permit, as well as illegal for the photographer to hire a non US citizen without a work permit.
I have read posts on here about non US models getting turned away at the border just because they had their portfolios with them, and even if they were planning on doing TF** shoots, in some eyes even though it is TF** they still consider it a form of payment, and that would be illegal for a non US citizen without a work permit, as well as illegal for the photographer to hire a non US citizen without a work permit.
Most non US models come here on visitors Visa's and that is what they tell the INS. You are correct that TF is a form of payment and probably illegal. You are correct that is illegal for her work and also illegal for a US citizen to pay her. If you shoot her nude you could also find yourself with 2257 issues.
The last two Congress's have been looking at moving fashion models from the H1B program and place them in the same program as athletes. The top fashion models normally get a type O.
Another interesting note, the US and Russia just signed a treaty that will make it easier for Russian and US citizens to obtain visitors Visa's. Expect a flood of Russian models in the next six months. I guess it will be up to you if you want to break the law to shoot them...
Okay, this is the way it works. First, you (as the llama) can not on your own get a visa with permission to work. A U.S. employer (in the case of a llama, that would be an agency) must apply for a working visa on your behalf. They will hold the visa which is normally good for one year but may be renewed.
Basically two types of visas are used for llamas, one is the H1b3 you referred to, the other is the O visa which has come into common use for llamas (originally it was intended for performers, llamas have qualified under the definition). When I was preparing working visas for llamas, I was applying under the H1b3 program, why the switch to O visas I do not know. Perhaps it was because of the limited number of visas under the H1b3 program, typically the quota of allotted visas were issued by June each year. Then you would have to wait until January for the quota to open up again.
Now, regardless of what an attorney or agency manager will tell you, this isn't rocket science or I wouldn't have been able to successfully apply for H1b3 visas. It's a government form, administered by government employees. Fill out all the documentation, submit the required tear sheets along with the documentation, and if a slot is available, the visa will be issued. (Oh yeah, the tear sheets. You have to prove you are talent of recognized merit, of such value that only you can do the jobs the agency has for you! The truth is, it's more about having the correct minimum number of tears, than it is about the quality. A lot of llamas have working visas that don't even subscribe to Vogue, never mind having appeared in the magazine!)
At least when I applied for the two visas I had issued, the fee for the visa was not particularly expensive (maybe $150?), but I did ask for expedited service (an answer in 15 days or less). And that did cost (in 2003) an additional $1,500 per visa. Worth every penny. You get excellent costumer service from the government agency, they call if something needs to be corrected (I missed one obscure form on one application), and in my case at least, one visa was issued within six days of submission, the other within nine days.
So in summary, you do not apply for the visa, an agency must agree to do that on your behalf. The agency will control the visa, you must work through that particular agency (although they may "lend" you to other agencies). You must have the required documentation to prove you are a llama of significant merit (tear sheets, currently I don't know how many are required. I provided six or seven per llama when I submitted my applications). The visa costs money, expedited service costs money, and if the agency uses an attorney to apply for a visa, they cost money. You will pay these costs, the agency will not (although they may advance the money against future commissions). The visa will be for one year, but it can be renewed without significant effort.
So now you know.
Oooooorrrr, you can do it the old fashion way, get a tourist visa, find a (what would be the correct term?) friendly American, and get married. It may come as some surprise, but it's happened before.
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
John Fisher wrote: get a tourist visa, find a (what would be the correct term?) friendly American, and get married. It may come as some surprise, but it's happened before.
LOL Old School.... now they pay you for that service... TF baby!!!
Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Possibly, but that wouldn't give her the ability to work in the US, only go to school
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
Leo Howard wrote: Possibly, but that wouldn't give her the ability to work in the US, only go to school
STL-After-Dark wrote: Cash only ... lots of people work that way
Doesn't make it legal, and possibly any model release signed would not be legally binding or valid
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
Okay, I'll correct you. She can get a visa (for school, tourist, etc.) to allow her to enter the country, but that does not give her permission to work. For that, you need a working visa for models as outlined above. Working without the required visa may result in having your visa revoked and being returned to your country of origin (and being denied re-entry to the U.S. for many years). Employers who pay foreign workers without proper documentation are subject to additional penalties.
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
Leo Howard wrote: Possibly, but that wouldn't give her the ability to work in the US, only go to school
STL-After-Dark wrote: Cash only ... lots of people work that way
Leo Howard wrote: Doesn't make it legal, and possibly any model release signed would not be legally binding or valid
And it could give written documentation of hiring a non US citizen illegally
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
STL-After-Dark wrote: Cash only ... lots of people work that way
We are a nation of loopholes created by crooked politicians ... no reason some pretty German model shouldn't take advantage.
^ so basically this is the easiest way to come to America and model without jumping through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops.
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
STL-After-Dark wrote: Cash only ... lots of people work that way
We are a nation of loopholes created by crooked politicians ... no reason some pretty German llama shouldn't take advantage.
STL-After-Dark wrote: ^ so basically this is the easiest way to come to America and llama without jumping through a bunch of bureaucratic hoops.
Absolutely, it will work . . .
as a US citizen though, I wouldn't want to get busted, could lead to huge fines and possibly even jail time, but probably not, we are pretty lax about that stuff
STL-After-Dark wrote: Someone correct me if I'm wrong ... but wouldn't her best bet for getting a visa be too sign up for some cheap community college classes in the US and get a student visa too come study here?
Take classes open endedly and you could stay here practically for ever if you wanted to.
Absolutely, it will work . . .
as a US citizen though, I wouldn't want to get busted, could lead to huge fines and possibly even jail time, but probably not, we are pretty lax about that stuff
How often do you ask a model to see her work visa Leo *silly grin*.
I totally get your point, I'm just playing devils advocate.
She could come and work (the easiest possible way) as I've described and ... she really doesn't have much to loose if she is caught working while here on a student visa.
STL-After-Dark wrote: How often do you ask a model to see her work visa Leo *silly grin*.
I totally get your point, I'm just playing devils advocate.
I get youre just playing DA, and its cool. But you do bring up some very valid points and questions that maybe others may not be aware that this sort of thing is illegal and could cause them some real issues.
I have only ever worked with 2 non US models, and that was before I was aware it was illegal if they didn't have a work visa, I'm a little more cautious now.
RenatoJr - RJ
Posts: 201
San Francisco, California, US
John Fisher wrote: Okay, this is the way it works. First, you (as the model) can not on your own get a visa with permission to work. A U.S. employer (in the case of a model, that would be an agency) must apply for a working visa on your behalf. They will hold the visa which is normally good for one year but may be renewed.
Basically two types of visas are used for models, one is the H1b3 you referred to, the other is the O visa which has come into common use for models (originally it was intended for performers, models have qualified under the definition). When I was preparing working visas for models, I was applying under the H1b3 program, why the switch to O visas I do not know. Perhaps it was because of the limited number of visas under the H1b3 program, typically the quota of allotted visas were issued by June each year. Then you would have to wait until January for the quota to open up again.
Now, regardless of what an attorney or agency manager will tell you, this isn't rocket science or I wouldn't have been able to successfully apply for H1b3 visas. It's a government form, administered by government employees. Fill out all the documentation, submit the required tear sheets along with the documentation, and if a slot is available, the visa will be issued. (Oh yeah, the tear sheets. You have to prove you are talent of recognized merit, of such value that only you can do the jobs the agency has for you! The truth is, it's more about having the correct minimum number of tears, than it is about the quality. A lot of models have working visas that don't even subscribe to Vogue, never mind having appeared in the magazine!)
At least when I applied for the two visas I had issued, the fee for the visa was not particularly expensive (maybe $150?), but I did ask for expedited service (an answer in 15 days or less). And that did cost (in 2003) an additional $1,500 per visa. Worth every penny. You get excellent costumer service from the government agency, they call if something needs to be corrected (I missed one obscure form on one application), and in my case at least, one visa was issued within six days of submission, the other within nine days.
So in summary, you do not apply for the visa, an agency must agree to do that on your behalf. The agency will control the visa, you must work through that particular agency (although they may "lend" you to other agencies). You must have the required documentation to prove you are a model of significant merit (tear sheets, currently I don't know how many are required. I provided six or seven per model when I submitted my applications). The visa costs money, expedited service costs money, and if the agency uses an attorney to apply for a visa, they cost money. You will pay these costs, the agency will not (although they may advance the money against future commissions). The visa will be for one year, but it can be renewed without significant effort.
So now you know.
Oooooorrrr, you can do it the old fashion way, get a tourist visa, find a (what would be the correct term?) friendly American, and get married. It may come as some surprise, but it's happened before.
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
John,
Thanks for the great explanation, you beat me to it. John is 110% correct.
It is not as hard as the first few posts make it sound like. Under my company over the years, I have applied and received 26 visas for models to work in the US. Currently my company holds 3 visas of models that are working and traveling throughout the US. I do use a law firm that takes care of all my company's business.
John Fisher wrote: Okay, this is the way it works. First, you (as the model) can not on your own get a visa with permission to work. A U.S. employer (in the case of a model, that would be an agency) must apply for a working visa on your behalf. They will hold the visa which is normally good for one year but may be renewed.
Basically two types of visas are used for models, one is the H1b3 you referred to, the other is the O visa which has come into common use for models (originally it was intended for performers, models have qualified under the definition). When I was preparing working visas for models, I was applying under the H1b3 program, why the switch to O visas I do not know. Perhaps it was because of the limited number of visas under the H1b3 program, typically the quota of allotted visas were issued by June each year. Then you would have to wait until January for the quota to open up again.
Now, regardless of what an attorney or agency manager will tell you, this isn't rocket science or I wouldn't have been able to successfully apply for H1b3 visas. It's a government form, administered by government employees. Fill out all the documentation, submit the required tear sheets along with the documentation, and if a slot is available, the visa will be issued. (Oh yeah, the tear sheets. You have to prove you are talent of recognized merit, of such value that only you can do the jobs the agency has for you! The truth is, it's more about having the correct minimum number of tears, than it is about the quality. A lot of models have working visas that don't even subscribe to Vogue, never mind having appeared in the magazine!)
At least when I applied for the two visas I had issued, the fee for the visa was not particularly expensive (maybe $150?), but I did ask for expedited service (an answer in 15 days or less). And that did cost (in 2003) an additional $1,500 per visa. Worth every penny. You get excellent costumer service from the government agency, they call if something needs to be corrected (I missed one obscure form on one application), and in my case at least, one visa was issued within six days of submission, the other within nine days.
So in summary, you do not apply for the visa, an agency must agree to do that on your behalf. The agency will control the visa, you must work through that particular agency (although they may "lend" you to other agencies). You must have the required documentation to prove you are a model of significant merit (tear sheets, currently I don't know how many are required. I provided six or seven per model when I submitted my applications). The visa costs money, expedited service costs money, and if the agency uses an attorney to apply for a visa, they cost money. You will pay these costs, the agency will not (although they may advance the money against future commissions). The visa will be for one year, but it can be renewed without significant effort.
So now you know.
Oooooorrrr, you can do it the old fashion way, get a tourist visa, find a (what would be the correct term?) friendly American, and get married. It may come as some surprise, but it's happened before.
John
--
John Fisher
900 West Avenue, Suite 633
Miami Beach, Florida 33139
305 534-9322
http://www.johnfisher.com
RenatoJr - RJ wrote: John,
Thanks for the great explanation, you beat me to it. John is 110% correct.
It is not as hard as the first few posts make it sound like. Under my company over the years, I have applied and received 26 visas for models to work in the US. Currently my company holds 3 visas of models that are working and traveling throughout the US. I do use a law firm that takes care of all my company's business.
So, its illegal for a non US model to work in the US without a work visa, can they hire a photographer and pay him to shoot for them, even if all they have is a Student or Visitors Visa?
RenatoJr - RJ
Posts: 201
San Francisco, California, US
Leo Howard wrote: So, its illegal for a non US model to work in the US without a work visa, can they hire a photographer and pay him to shoot for them, even if all they have is a Student or Visitors Visa?
Yes it is illigal for a non us citizen or legal resident to work in the us without a work visa!!
Can a person on a visitors visa hire a photographer and pay them for a photo session..of course. they can also eat in a restaurant and pay for the service, go shopping, hire a limo driver and pay for the service etc..
Yes it is illigal for a non us citizen to work in the us without a work visa!!
Can a person on a visitors visa hire a photographer and pay them for a photo session..of course. they can also eat in a restaurant and pay for the service, go shopping, hire a limo driver and pay for the service etc..
Well, I knew the answer to that was yes, but I was kind of going towards the solution of they pay the photographer $1 for a photo shoot, and that ends the issue of TF with non US models. . . . doesn't resolve the issue of non US models coming here to work ( get paid ) without a valid work visa
RenatoJr - RJ
Posts: 201
San Francisco, California, US
Leo Howard wrote:
Well, I knew the answer to that was yes, but I was kind of going towards the solution of they pay the photographer $1 for a photo shoot, and that ends the issue of TF with non US models. . . . doesn't resolve the issue of non US models coming here to work ( get paid ) without a valid work visa
Sorry, missed where you were going. yes that would be perfectly legal. But i would venture to guess that these models want to come to the US and make money not pay the photographer even $1.00 to take pictures of them. just my guess...
Sorry, missed where you were going. yes that would be perfectly legal. But i would venture to guess that these models want to come to the US and make money not pay the photographer even $1.00 to take pictures of them. just my guess...
That would be my guess too, but I have seen some that have mentioned coming to the US to shoot TF*
One mis-step and the model might get deported and barred from re-entry to the US for years, but the hirer can go to prison and be subject to certain [asset] seizure and forfeiture orders. There are enhanced penalties in circumstances where any prohibited act is done for commercial gain or advantage.
As to TF* in particular, it is a violation of §1324a (a)(4) to improperly obtain the services / labor of an alien in the United States knowing that the alien is an unauthorized alien through the use of a contract, subcontract, or exchange I believe that if, as has been suggested, you are paid $1 to shoot the model it would be clearly seen to be a sham intended for no other purpose than to evade the law, and that it would not save either of you if you are unfortunate enough to get caught.
You have been advised.
On top of all that, if the nature of the work would otherwise require 2257 / 2257A record-keeping there is no way, as a practical matter, to LEGITIMATELY comply. If you knowingly or with reckless disregard of the fact that an alien has come to, entered, or remains in the United States in violation of law, aid or assist an unauthorized alien to obtain suitable US issued ID documents for that purpose you would be in violation of §1324 in any case. Big time!
Will you get caught? You never know, you could be, and is the risk really worth it?
I think we're muddling the details of the H-1b, the O-1, and the P-3 visiting visas. But the general points are all on point. The rules are a lot easier for legal residents though, and there are a few loopholes for visitors (TF, paying covering expenses). But keep in mind that just being a visiting student isn't enough either.
I find it funny how many models advertise that they have a passport on their profiles. They're nearly advertising that they're available for illegal shoots. Charming.
studio36uk
Posts: 20,235
Tavai, Sigave, Wallis and Futuna
J Henry wrote: H-1b, the O-1, and the P-3 visiting visas.
Seems like 90%+ of the time there is no question of any kind of work authorised visa and models are proposing to enter, or entering, the US from other countries [and other countries from the US] as tourists. There is no question at all that they are not supposed to be working. And everybody knows it, too.
Seems like 90%+ of the time there is no question of any kind of work authorised visa and models are proposing to enter, or entering, the US from other countries [and other countries from the US] as tourists. There is no question at all that they are not supposed to be working. And everybody knows it, too.
Studio36
Not sure I understand your question/disagreement. The reason I say visiting visa is because those three cover temporary trips the the US for work. This makes them very different than a temporary student visa or a tourist visa or a long term green card.
Unless you're responding to my last comment about models advertising their passport?
Anyone who invests $500,000 in a "helpful" US business (real estate in a bad neighborhood, for example) can get a special visa to visit and work here often.
Step 1: Develop an "extraordinary ability" (google Shera Bechard)
Step 2: Hire a qualified immigration lawyer
Step 3: Obtain O-1 Visa
This is how my genius earned me permission to work in the US
Engel Schrei
Posts: 14,441
Indianapolis, Indiana, US
sigh.
OP, you have been given a substantial amount of information. I would strongly suggest following the proper channels, as it will ultimately be in both your and your future collaborators' best interests. You will have MANY more opportunities open to you as a model should you do so. Working "off the books" will limit you to only those willing to pay under the table (and thus not be able to use the payments in their tax reporting), smaller parties, and will also limit the amount of publication/agency/etc work you are able to accomplish.
I'd also like to point out to those other members that have been giving less then legal .. suggestions.. that posting such is not within the confines of MM policy .. nor is it very intelligent to give her said information on a publicly accessible forum, on the internet. At least have the sense to contact her privately if you insist on giving bad information.
gl-amour wrote: Step 1: Develop an "extraordinary ability" (google Shera Bechard)
Step 2: Hire a qualified immigration lawyer
Step 3: Obtain O-1 Visa
This is how my genius earned me permission to work in the US
You can walk across the boarder and work wherever you want, Canadians are indistinguishable from Americans
Bring some beer and talented hockey players when you come friend
I'm a German model and I really want to work in more countries than Europe.
How does it work to get a US visa for models that I can get paid jobs?
I heard they use the H1B for it
thx for your help
Servus!
Wie viele bereits sagten, das ist sehr schwierig, weil die Arbeitserlaubnisse sehr schwer zu bekommen sind. Zwei Leute die richtig Bescheid wissen sind John Fisher und Studio36UK (deren Meinung ist immer "dead on"... die wissen wovon die reden, viele andere hoeren sich nur gerne reden und haben absolut keine Ahnung!!!
Um ein Modell Visum zu bekommen, musst Du normalerweise beweisen das Du ein international publiziertes Modell bist, und dafuer brauchst Du Tearsheets und Agentur representation.
Um die beste Information zu bekommen, musst Du dir mal die folgende Webseite durchlesen: www.newmodels.com
Der Autor ist ein guter Freund von mir der eine Koryphaehe in diesem Feld ist.
Ich arbeite ja in New York als Modefotograf, wenn Du Fragen hast, oder Klarifizierungen, nunja, frage halt mal.
Ich hatte auch for 3 Tagen einen grossen Shoot gehabt, und das eine Modell war eine Muenchnerin, die schon seit vielen Jahren in New York lebt.
Wenn Du Sie fragen moechtest, bin ich mir sicher das Sie dir bestens (und unortodoxe) Antworten und Tips geben kann.
One mis-step and the model might get deported and barred from re-entry to the US for years, but the hirer can go to prison and be subject to certain [asset] seizure and forfeiture orders.
Here's something that is kinda confidential, and I've never talked about it... but here is the situation... I am in the US for 20 years as a green card holder, and I was held illegally (still having to fight that with an attorney) held for three and a half month in immigration detention (don't ask, it's complicated, ... well... you are one of the few I'd actually discuss my situation), and I can tell you for sure... at the current political situation, if you have been working illegally in the US... you won't simply be sent back to your home country and your employer will do the time... YOU will do time... for breaking the law (illegal entry) and then you will go through deportation procedures... no exception!
My advise is: don't f. with the legality of immigration, work permits etc.
Unless you have the right to be in the US (as in my case), you'll get hit hard... the stories I learned about in ICE detention are heart breaking!
If you are a German model you must have gotten a German passport to come to the USA? That is all you will need to travel with. But for you to work in another country, is another problem. No matter what passport you possess.
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