According to Snopes, while they could not independently verify the exact visa Melania received, it is plausible that she qualified under the “extraordinary ability” category. They noted that other individuals in the modeling and entertainment industries have successfully applied for either EB-1 or O-1 visas—both of which require applicants to demonstrate a high level of achievement in their field.
“The EB-1 immigrant visa is by no means the only visa a model or performer can apply for to work in the U.S.,” Snopes reported. “It is not improbable that a working model might have received the right to permanently reside in the U.S. based on her extraordinary abilities.”
Other public figures, including comedian John Oliver and former model Shera Bechard, have been granted similar visas based on their professional accomplishments.
While questions around Melania Trump’s immigration journey have surfaced at different points over the years, her citizenship status is not in dispute. The former first lady became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 2006.
As conversations around immigration policy and visa qualifications continue to evolve, this case serves as a reminder that eligibility for specialized visa categories often depends on a variety of professional benchmarks—not just high-profile awards.