Hello everyone,

I am planning to move to LA soon but I wanted to know, is it possible to find representation without having a working visa? I know that for models, if they aren't from the US, and an agency is interested in them, they will fill out the paperwork and the model pays the $3,000 fee to obtain a working visa. Does the same apply to acting/commercial agencies?

I've heard of people from outside the US moving to LA to follow their dreams of becoming actors but I have never heard of the process they took to become working actors with working visas. I want to be well prepared instead of getting there and being turned down by every agency because I don't have a work permit.

If any of you know the answer to my question, I would be very appreciative to get a response.

Thanks a lot.

I've never heard of an agency wanting to take a risk on someone without a visa.

Really? I thought that agencies helped their talent to get working visas. Don't ask where I got that from, I just figured. If that's the case then how can a beginner actor move to LA and go to auditions?

One more question, how do I go about getting one in order to find representation? Do you have any idea? I have taken training classes and have been in a few TV shows but it wouldn't be enough for an O1 visa.

You should read the blog Stars in Her Eyes - she posts on here and has been talking about meeting with agencies and trying to get a visa.

http://www.starsintheeyesblog.com/

Ya it's definitely a tricky situation to be in. I saw this link on a FB group...I don't know how legit it is so do your homework. The date has passed but they may be a good resource to ask questions. https://www.facebook.com/events/532104033472204/

Thanks so much for sharing you two! I just checked out the blog, very helpful. Although I'm a bit late for that O-1 Visa seminar, I'm going to try and get in contact with the company.

Not having a work visa is usually the main reason why international actors go home within three months because it wasn't as easy as they thought.

Unless you have american parents, are married to an american or you're a celebrity in your home country, it's certainly an obstacle that makes an already hard business even harder.

US already have plenty of aspiring actors to chose from, therefore it's rare that they give away working visas in that field of profession. However, some other fields, such as IT-jobs etc, it's possible to get a work visa - if you apply for the job in your home country, and if they like you enough, they can sponsor your visa. But they visa is for that certain field - I'm not sure if you can get an "IT-Job" visa and then work as an actor.

I'm engaged with an american (because of love of course) so I'll eventually get a work visa. I'm currently on a student visa on which you can't work professionally.

Across The Board Talent Agency, which is a starter theatrical and commercial agency, posted this on their Twitter feed today:

ATB Talent is expanding its commercial dept. Submit your headshot and resume to be considered. Also, O-1 visas sponsorship's available.

I imagine you really have to be something special that can not be found anywhere in Los Angeles in order for an agency to make the effort. And there are not many things that can't be found in Los Angeles.

Most won't consider you.

The official site on US visas:
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html

This is NOT the law firm I used. I am not promoting anything. But this site has a lot of info on entertainment industry visas.
http://www.los-angeles-immigration.com/O_visa.php

Before the old posts on Backstage where deleted there was a thread on 01 visas. I don’t remember exactly everything about it, but it was something about that some studios did not make long term contracts with actors with 01 visas because they are not permanent, so they do not risk it. Therefore it was better to aim at an eb1 that is a bit more expensive and harder to get, but it is permanent.

And yes you have to be in the top 10% in your field (acting, science etc.) in the country you are applying from. It is titled: "person of extraordinary ability." You will most likely feel like a superhero receiving that title

I would not even try getting an agent before having my papers in order. You are likely to get scammed, because what agency in their right mind would risk it? You are not allowed to work without a visa. If you got caught you could risk being deported and not allowed back in for a period. (not really sure how long though). You can Google it

StarsIntheEyes is right. It is possible. I got an Eb1 (green card).
And compliments on your blog StarsIntheEyes

It's definitely hard to get O1. Basically, you have to have a name established for yourself in your home country.