Canadian Influencer Lands Coveted U.S. Visa Through Viral Social Media Presence
A Canadian social media influencer has successfully navigated the complex U.S. immigration system to secure a highly sought-after visa, leveraging her online popularity and unique brand of humor. Julia Ain, originally from Montreal, was granted an O-1B visa, typically reserved for individuals with "extraordinary ability or achievement" in fields such as arts, business, or athletics.
Unconventional Application Strategy
In her visa application, Ain submitted various pieces of evidence demonstrating her significant online following and cultural impact. One particularly notable submission was a video filmed at Katz's Delicatessen in New York City, where she and a friend posed while holding pastrami sandwiches and wearing low-cut shirts. The video, which asked viewers "Would you rather one night with us or a year's supply of this sandwich?" garnered more than 11 million views, 226,000 likes, and 58,000 comments according to reports.
Ain acknowledged the unconventional nature of her application materials, telling media outlets that while it "sounds insane," the content served as proof that "people are watching" her videos. She humorously suggested that "Maybe my extraordinary talent is just that I have big boobs," referencing her self-described brand as the "funny Jewish girl with big boobs."
Evolution of Visa Criteria
The O-1B visa program has undergone significant evolution since its inception. Originally conceived in 1972 as a mechanism to prevent John Lennon's deportation from the United States, the visa was formally adopted in 1990 to facilitate entry for foreign nationals with exceptional artistic abilities. In recent years, immigration experts have noted a shift toward internet-based applicants, including social media influencers and content creators.
Immigration lawyer Michael Wildes explained this transformation to media, stating "This space has evolved with the times. We had these iconic clients and then over time we started doing old visas for esports players and now influencers and OnlyFans and other kinds of electronic stars." Wildes noted a particular increase in influencer visa inquiries during the pandemic period, though he clarified that applicants must maintain appropriate standards in their submissions.
Comprehensive Application Package
Ain's successful application included a comprehensive portfolio beyond just viral videos. She submitted approximately two dozen video examples, a sponsorship letter from the platform Fanfix, detailed income documentation, analytics showing her social media reach (including over 1.3 million followers across platforms), and ten letters of recommendation from fellow influencers with whom she had collaborated.
The influencer also articulated a compelling personal narrative in her application, noting the rise of global antisemitism and explaining how she brings humor to what she described as a depressing cultural space. She emphasized that moving from Montreal to New York was vital because the city represents "the hub of Jewish culture."
Post-Visa Developments and Professional Philosophy
Since relocating to New York City, Ain has helped establish a content collective called "Milk Mansion," featuring fifteen women who create what she describes as "top-heavy positivity content." The group has already amassed 345,000 followers on social media platforms.
Despite the humorous nature of much of her content, Ain maintains a serious perspective on her professional achievements. "I have worked hard to get this visa," she stated, adding "Whether you personally think that I'm untalented does not matter because all of the numbers and everything prove that I'm somebody who is bringing revenue into the U.S. economy."
Ain joins approximately 20,000 individuals who receive O-1B visas annually, representing a growing category of digital creators who are redefining traditional concepts of "extraordinary ability" in the immigration context.
