Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/18/2006

Question
Thanks a lot, Kitty.
It really clear up a lot of confusion that I had before. You are amazing, to have conquered adversities in your life and turn it into something great for you and others. Such an inspiration!

My other question though, what is your advice if I want to pursue both university education and modeling career in the US? I heard modeling agencies look for certain age between 16-20.

Thank you again Kitty.

Wish you the best of luck, always.

Bridge


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Followup To

Question -
What is the visa requirement for a model to work on runway shows in Milan, Paris, New York, or any other international cities for the matter?

When a brazilian model wants to break into US industry, does she need a visa? I read somewhere that Gisele Bundchen got work in New York when she was not famous. I am confused because most of the visa website I read need a supermodel reputation before getting H1B visa without a degree, yet Bundchen was still a baby at the time.

Thank you in advance.

Bridge

Answer -
Models coming into the US for work would need a temporary work permit: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/services/tempbenefits/tempworker.htm
Their employer/modeling agency would file a Labor Condition Application and a for I-129 Petition for Non-immigrant worker.  That generally takes 2-3 months to be approved.  Should the model then wish to stay in the US, they would need an H1B visa.  You would have to check with the Brazilian consulate as to the exact criteria.

For more details you can phone the US Citizenship and Immigration Services at 1-800-375-5283

For models going to other countries, you would need to check with the government of each specific place as to what work permits/visas are required.

~Kitty

Answer
Thank you.  University is one of those things that can demand a lot from your time.  Modeling sometimes less so, but often with fashion modeling there is quite a bit of travel involved.  It would be difficult to do both at the same time, as both demand much attention and focus.

If you came over on a student visa, you could attend agency open calls and see what their interest is.  If you sign with one, you could tell them you are in school, and most likely they would be able to work around your schedule at least some of the time.  

Of course, if your modeling career really takes off, you may need to make a choice between school and modeling.

Best of luck to you,
~Kitty