Fashion Models and Related Visa

[Munish]

For those interested in the modelling profession, the STRIVE Act creates a new non-immigrant visa for models (would be part of the O visa if passed).

SEC. 522. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEW FASHION MODEL NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION.

(a) In General-

(1) NEW CLASSIFICATION- Section 101(a)(15)(O) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(O)) is amended--

(A) in clause (i), by striking `or' at the end;

(B) in clause (ii), by striking `or' at the end;

(C) by redesignating clause (iii) as clause (iv);

(D) in clause (iv), as redesignated, by striking `clause (i) or (ii)' and inserting `clause (i), (ii), or (iii)'; and

(E) by inserting after clause (ii) the following:

`(iii) is a fashion model who is of distinguished merit and ability and who is seeking to enter the United States temporarily to perform fashion modeling services that involve events or productions which have a distinguished reputation or that are performed for an organization or establishment that has a distinguished reputation for, or a record of, utilizing prominent modeling talent; or'.

(2) NUMERICAL LIMITATION- Section 214(a)(2)(A) (8 U.S.C. 1184(a)(2)(A)) is amended by adding at the end the following: `The number of aliens who may be issued visas or otherwise provided nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(O)(iii) in any fiscal year may not exceed 1,000.'.

(b) Elimination of H-1B Classification for Fashion Models- Section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)) is amended--

(1) in item (aa), by striking `or as a fashion model'; and

(2) in item (bb), by striking `or, in the case of a fashion model, is of distinguished merit and ability'.

(c) Effective Dates-

(1) IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW FASHION MODEL NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION- Not later than 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations to carry out the amendments made by subsection (a). Nothing in this section shall be construed as preventing an alien who is a fashion model from obtaining nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)(O)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(O)(i)) if such alien is otherwise qualified for such status.

(2) ELIMINATION OF H-1B CLASSIFICATION FOR FASHION MODELS- The amendments made by subsection (b)--

(A) shall apply on the effective date of the regulations promulgated under paragraph (1); and

(B) shall not apply to the classification of an alien under section 101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b)) as a fashion model pursuant to a petition for such classification that was filed before such effective date.

[Munish]

This new law would create a separate category for fashion models, but it would be limited to 1,000 visas only. That does not seem like enough for this market. Hope the fashion industry is aware of this!

[Munish]

Just copying this post from the other thread here is would be good to have it one thread.

kids love school here - and even my daughter, who is definitely no Einstein by the way, is a grade A student - but she does work extremely hard! She has absolutely no intention of going to college though as she wants to model - sigh!!!!

If she's a grade A student and works extremely hard I think that's good enough even for Einstein! As for college she may or may not change her mind but just ensure she maintains her A GPA so if she decides it is something she wishes to do, and she works hard on the college admissions tests, she has that option.

Also in relation to modelling, she already presumably already knows how competitive it is. I do hope she has been contacting legitimate modelling agencies and fashion magazines regarding this as a career for first hand advice she she understands clearly what her chances are and what she needs to do to be successful. There's little point in pursuing something if the market is not there for her, but on the other hand if they decide she has the potential she should be surrounded by the professionals and gain their advice to properly develop her and maximize her chances of success.

Sorry if you think I am meddling, but since 2001 I worked with an organisation that worked with children from 13 up designed to push them towards achieving their career ambitions. So I have a natural interest in ensuring kids push for their long term success. Some have come to this organization being very lazy, and we converted them from D and E grades to A and B grades. We did this by giving them the real story. Many children associate school with getting a good job (and some could not even do that!). However, they failed to undestand that this association was too simple. Only being the best in your field will put you above your competitors. It may sound militant but we never pussy footed about.

If you want to get ABC you have to get and do XYZ, otherwise forget it because there is always someone else from the tens of thousands of other people who will get it. Using the example of one law firm, they require all applicants to have AAB at A level and a 2:1 degree (subject to mitigating circumstance). In that law firm 1,300 applications were made. 100 were offered a first round interview. 40 were offered a second round interview and only 10 were offered a position. This a major international law firm in London. In major US cities the numbers are even more crazy.

In relation to modelling I would urge your daughter to be aware that hundreds of thousands of people each year want to become a model and so she should be already seeking experience with professional advice from legitimate agencies and reputable fashion magazines, and so she does not become vulnerable to explioitative organisations which will take advantage.

You probably may already be doing this or think I am poking my nose where it don't belong and if so I apologise for that, but this post equally goes out for all kids to read who may not be as savvy. Get top grades, research the industries including with work experience and be prepared for multiple failure before success comes along the way.

For those who think I am harsh and kids should be allowed to be kids, all I am going to say we don't live in those days anymore. I've gained my insight from talking directly to industry leaders who told me like it was and the principles cited above are what came out. They will never tell you the above, but when it comes to choosing people, they want to see dedication to the field from an early age. Many teachers, with all due respect, do not have this knowledge or understanding and are limited to teaching their subject so where schools fail, parents have to step in for guidance and the advice of industry professional should be directly sought.

Just so you are aware I was discouraged from becoming a lawyer at a young age, which was not helpful at all and the advice I got from the school careers service was plain wrong. That is why I am very passionate about this and I hope my intentions are understood here.

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[Munish]

Hi Munish,

Thank you for your comments - no you were not meddling and it is good advice that I have given to my kids all along. You do need a good education no matter what field you go into. Its your only safety net in todays dog eat dog world. Being here in the US, has also helped them to be more confident and street smart - which is equally as important.

As far as my daughter and her modeling aspirations go - I have no idea if she would be allowed to "work" as a child model here as she is here as an E-2 Dependant. I know that on the renewal/extension application it asks the question "how are you supporting yourself if you are not working". She has had agencies approach her through the school ( that I thought was a little weird?) - but I have been the one that has not followed through as I dont have the time to accompany her being a single parent and working every hour that God sends LOL. As she is a minor, and having heard all the horror stories about the modeling world - I would not let her go unaccompanied! If you or anyone else out there knows different about this - please let me know and then I can try to put out feelers. I suppose that if the agency was serious -it might sponsor her visa?

I would get your daughter to do her own research and contact the reputable and established modelling agencies and fashion mags for advice on it. If she is unsure what agencies are out there she can ask the magazines directly. They should have contact info on their websites from which she can make further enquiry.

[kirtida8]

Thanks Munish - you must have been researching this for a while - are you sure you're not a closet model wannabe :rofl:

[Munish]

Guilty as charged. :rofl: I even have an embarrasing story, where my friend set me up and got me good while I was at university!

He called me using a (stellar) Irish accent. He pretended a friend of mine had submitted a photo of me and it was entered into a competition seeking Britain's sexiest Asian male. Cut a long story short I was shortlisted as one of the UK's top 5 Asian models. This conversation went on for 25 minutes until he gave me his contact number, only then to realise the crushing disappointment that my friend set me up with his phoney accent good and proper.

There were two talking points at university the next day. One was the fact I was so gullible. The second was that fact I believed I was in the top 5 UK Asian men. :rofl:

[kirtida8]

I think Dee is going to have a field day with this tidbit :rofl:

[haytonmac]

oh I think you could be right there!!!lol

[DEE F]

There were two talking points at university the next day. One was the fact I was so gullible. The second was that fact I believed I was in the top 5 UK Asian men."QUOTE"

Me take the p***out of Munish I dont know what you mean,however I have to say that Munish must stand in front of the mirror in the morning and say to himself,"you have got faults,you must have" hahahahahahahahah love ya really Munish:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D


Love Dee (singer dancer actress and model;) )

[SHEILA 13]

Hey Dee,Dont forget you are a Buisness woman,cheif cook and bottlewasher too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[anniefromessex]

Mun,

Like Dee you must have terrible trials and tribulations to deal with - while she is fending off all the men, you obviously must be fending off all those young nubile women. I know Dee thinks you are too old for her, but personally I think you would make a great team - she even makes a mean chip butty. I know curries and stuff are more your style but you could seen teach her, she is always open to suggestions!!!!

Love Anniexxx

[Munish]

Annie, I'm glad you understand. Believe me, being who I am can be a curse. The women is one thing, but the gays get really disappointed when I break the news that I'm straight - that's just a whole set of emotional issues I wish I didn't have to deal with!

As for the women, it's exactly the same problem that celebrities have the papparazi. While a few can be great attention, the sheer avalanche of constant attention can be a nightmare at times! :rofl:

[DEE F]

Annie, I'm glad you understand. Believe me, being who I am can be a curse. The women is one thing, but the gays get really disappointed when I break the news that I'm straight - that's just a whole set of emotional issues I wish I didn't have to deal with!

As for the women, it's exactly the same problem that celebrities have the papparazi. While a few can be great attention, the sheer avalanche of constant attention can be a nightmare at times! :rofl:

I am trying to come back with some witty repartee,but omg I cant ,I JUST CANT,need more coffee:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:


Love Dee xxxxxxx

[SHEILA 13]

Dee,Get a few tabs knocked into you then you'll be fine lovey !!!!!!!!!!