Ecto17

Hi,
Quick question if anyone knows, have a friend in the U.K. whose child acts and models.
The child is represented in the U.K. by an agent and works both there and in Europe but always through the U.K. agent.
She is doing very well and has been approached by an agent in LA. In this case a lot of the work would be sourced, performed and paid in the US and my friend wanted to know how the visa would work.
I said l had no clue but l would ask the knowledge forum l am on!! Any help would be greatly appreciated.
(She is seeking advise from the LA agent but wants to do her do diligence)

scrubbedexpat099

Models can get an H1b

Ecto17

Hi,
Thanks for getting back to me, how does the HB1 work? Do they need to apply for it or does the agent or client? Is it blanket visa or would apply per job? She would remain in the U.K. just doing the jobs as and when she is successful.

scrubbedexpat099

The Agent/Employer will apply for the Visa, well their Lawyer will handle it.

Your friends child will just go to the interview at the Consulate, might be a pass on that depending on age but the Lawyer will advise if that is possible.

Ecto17

Will it be a blanket for any jobs and the fact they live in the U.K. doesn't matter?
How long would the visa last?
In these circumstances l guess the agent applies?
The child is 10 and currently shooting a high profile program so hope that helps with the application.
Do you know if these are usually difficult or easy to get?
Sorry for hundred of questions! Thank you for your help.

Noorah101

An O visa might also apply.

Rene

scrubbedexpat099

My understanding is that none of the possible visa's would be blanket. UK is not relevant, well a few countries could be a minus.

Depends which visa, they vary.

Sounds likely it would be the agent.

Lots of UK Actors and Models work in the US, Melania got one.

Not sure we see many of these presumably because they have people who sort these things out

Ecto17

Thanks.
How does that differ from the H1b?

spouse of scouse

Isn't there a minimum level of education and work experience for these visas, which would make a child ineligible?

neill

I would agree with Noorah- O-1 visa is probably a better bet, if only just because O-1 is not capped (backlogged), which is a huge issue with H-1B.

Ecto17

I don't imagine they are like the L visas but despite being only 10, the child has a significant CV. Hope that isn't the case anyway!!

Ecto17

Thanks, any kind of huge delays would void this opportunity as realistically they would another model.
Would you be able to tell me a little bit abou the O -1 please?

Noorah101

O-1 is for someone outstanding or well known in their field. I believe the agent would submit a petition, most likely with the help of an immigration attorney, to put together the best presentation of evidence. If the petition is approved, she applies for the visa at the US embassy in London.

It's not a blanket visa, but if she's staying with the same agent, I think the same visa can be used multiple times...but I'm no expert.

Rene

Nutmegger

Sounds as if the P-2, which allows reciprocal exchange for entertainers, might be appropriate. That’s the one where taking a big band on tour makes space for a lot of reciprocal duos!

Ecto17

Thanks guys! I will pass this info on and hopefully they can sort something out as it would be an amazing opportunity.