Is a Visa required for talent from other countries to work in the U.S. and how do I get one?

Fashion models from many countries work in New York and the U.S. New York agencies will assist in the Visa procurement and are quite familiar with the process from their unique point of view. In fact, there are probably more foreign models who are working in New York than models who are from the U.S.

AMTC is not responsible for assisting with citizenship or attaining a work-related visa. It is the responsibility of the performer and/or family to work out this application process independently with their interested agency. AMTC fully respects the representing talent agency’s right to accept or decline a performer on the basis of their citizenship.

In brief, for an individual to accept employment in the United States, he/she must have permission from the Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”): either be in the green card process or have a specific visa available which has been approved. There are several types of visas that are available – and for actors/performers, the most common is the P visa. This process can take awhile, and a performer cannot start employment without the approval of the work visa. The work visa is for a limited amount of time, and is only good for the employer requesting the visa. It can also be challenging and expensive to procure- especially for actors, singers, and dancers.

However, where there is God, there is hope. God will open doors no one else can.