December 20, 2012 - Tel Aviv - Most of the world connects Israel to the middle east conflicts; the recent Gaza conflict is just one of the may stories heard about Israel on a daily basis .What is not yet known, is that Israel is angling her way into becoming one of the preeminent fashion capitals the world. The Tel Aviv Fashion Week is just in it’s second year and in large parts due to its producer, Motty Reif, it is finally taking off.
At the second Tel Aviv Fashion Week, Journalists from Sao Paulo, Milan, Berlin, Rome, Hong Kong, Berlin and Paris are observing exciting new trends with a new twist on the black, shiny, mirrored runway at what is now Tel Aviv Fashion Week. Models from all over the world are flown in by designers and fashion houses.
As exciting as Tel Aviv Fashion week, soon there will be fashion week in New York, and an infinite numbers of models will be filing the visas with the U.S. Consulates world wide in order that they may work in the U.S. as a fashion model.
This article will explain the basics in obtaining a visa for a fashion model.
Under U.S. immigration laws, there are three methods to qualify for a foreign model to work in the U.S. They are H-1B WORK VISA, the O-1 ALIEN VISA and the P-3 CULTURAL EVENT VISA:
The H-1B3 Visa for Fashion Models
The H-1B3 work visa allows a foreign fashion model to work in the U.S. for a designated employer for a three-year period. In order to qualify the model must be coming to the U.S. to perform services, which require a model of prominence. Not just any model. Prominence means a high level of accomplishment in the field of fashion modeling, evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that which is ordinarily encountered. A prominent model may be one who is famous, or well known in the field of fashion modeling. The model must establish that they are of distinguished merit and ability.
Additionally:
• The position offered or the services to be performed in the U.S., must require a fashion model of prominence.
• The U.S. employer must pay the fashion model, as is the case with all H1B professionals, the prevailing wage for the occupation in the area of intended employment or the actual wage being paid by the employer to fashion models of similar standing, whichever is higher.
• Fashion Models, unlike all other H1B professionals, do not necessarily need to hold a bachelor or higher degree.
The Model must provide evidence establishing that she or he is nationally or internationally recognized in the field of fashion modeling.
The evidence must include at least two of the following types of documentation which show that the model:
• Has achieved national or international recognition in his or her field as evidenced by major newspaper, trade journals, magazines or other published material;
• Has performed and will perform services as fashion model for employers with a distinguished reputation;
• Has received recognition for significant achievements from organizations, critics, fashion houses, modeling agencies or other recognized experts in the field; or
• Commands a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services, as shown by contracts or other reliable evidence.
The O-1 VISA FOR FASHION MODELS
The O-1 alien visa allows foreigners of extra-ordinary skills and talents to visit the U.S. for twelve months. This visa requires that you show: 1) A major international award or prize, or 2) Other significant awards or prizes, or contributions to the field, or well-paid employment, and 3) a consultation report from a peer group, labor union or management organization verifying the alien's credentials and the benefits of the visit.
On the other hand, to qualify under O-1, the fashion model must establish extraordinary ability in business, not in the arts. Extraordinary ability in the field of business means a level of expertise indicating that the person is one of the small percentages that has risen to the very top of the field of endeavor. This requirement is considerably higher than the distinguished merit or ability requirement of H1B visa for Fashion Models.
The P-3 CULTURAL VISAS FOR FASHION MODELS.
The P-3 cultural event visa is accessible to "artists and entertainers" who come to the U.S. to participate in a "culturally unique" event or program, which furthers the art form. This requires evidence of: 1) skills and talents which are authentic and supported by recognized credentials such as prizes or awards, published articles about your accomplishments, and letters from leaders explaining your performance, 2) your performance is "culturally unique" based on newspaper or other written review, and 3) a consultation report from a peer group, labor union or management organization verifying the alien's credentials and how the event is "culturally unique".
An example of a "culturally unique" event might be a model's trade show sponsored by a U.S company to showcasing the beauty and modeling skills of the women of Rio de Janeiro.
You can follow this links:
Immigration Lawyers for Fashion Model Visas
