Canadian influencer says she got her US 'extraordinary ability' visa for showing off her 'big boobs' on social media

A Canadian social media influencer who built a following on humor, self-parody, and sexualized imagery has been granted one of the United States’ most exclusive work visas. Julia Ain, 25, received an O-1B visa, reserved for individuals with “extraordinary ability in the arts or major achievements in the television, motion picture or film industry,” after submitting evidence that included a viral Instagram video filmed at Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City. In the clip, Ain and a friend wear low-cut tops while holding a pastrami sandwich and ask viewers: “Would you rather one night with us or a year’s supply of this sandwich?” The six-second video has amassed more than 11 million views, 226,000 likes, and roughly 58,000 comments.

“Yes, that video was submitted to the US government,” Ain told The Times. “I know it sounds insane. But it literally was meant as proof … people are watching.” Her application was approved, placing her among a growing number of influencers who have successfully obtained O-1 visas in recent years. The visa is typically issued for three years, with the option of annual extensions.

The trend has been criticized as the Trump administration has tightened limits on H-1B visas for so-called “specialty occupations” in fields such as technology, medicine, and science. In 2024, fewer than 20,000 people were granted either an O-1B or its counterpart, the O-1A, for extraordinary ability in business, science, education, or athletics. By contrast, about 219,000 H-1B visas were issued that year, before the annual cap was reduced to 85,000.

Ain joked, “Maybe my extraordinary talent is just that I have big boobs,” she joked.

Across her platforms, where she has more than 1.3 million followers, Ain has cultivated a persona she describes as the “funny Jewish girl with big boobs.” Her posts often combine sarcasm, visible cleavage, and references to her Jewish identity, including a Star of David necklace. Her visa application extended beyond viral videos. It included sponsorship from Fanfix, a subscription platform that markets itself as a nudity-free alternative to OnlyFans, along with documentation of her income, page views, and follower numbers, and ten letters of recommendation from influencers she has collaborated with.

Applicants must also demonstrate why they need to be based in the United States. Ain argued that New York was essential both professionally and personally. She cited the city’s significance to Jewish culture and wrote that, amid rising antisemitism globally, her humor offered a counterweight to what she described as an increasingly bleak online environment.

Before receiving the visa, Ain lived in Montreal. Since relocating, Ain helped to found a New York-based collective known as “Milk Mansion,” which she described as a group of 15 women creating what she calls “top-heavy positivity content.” The group has attracted attention online. In December, members rented a house in Pennsylvania for a week to produce content for TikTok, Instagram and Fanfix. One recent video shows several creators in cow-print outfits miming along as one sings “E-I-E-I-O.” The clip has been viewed more than 230,000 times.

“I have worked hard to get this visa,” Ain told the outlet. “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 US economy.”