Modeling in · United States
Working as a model inNew York.
Updated Oct 3, 2026
The world’s largest commercial market: campaigns, advertising, e-commerce — and a visa. What changes when you work as a model in New York — seasons, agencies, money — and what Odette keeps in order from your phone.
New York is the world’s largest commercial market: campaigns, advertising, e-commerce, with fashion weeks in February and September. Agencies take 20 to 25% plus a service fee on the client side, pay in 30 to 90 days in dollars, and non-residents often see a 30% withholding. A visa is required, often an O-1.
Modeling in New YorkThe visaO-1B visa (extraordinary ability in the arts) — uscis.gov
The year in New York.
The seasons that matter on this market, and the casting weeks that precede them — placed on your calendar in advance.
The year 2026
12 months · what matters on this market
Jan
Castings
Feb
Womenswear fashion week
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Castings
Sep
Womenswear fashion week
Oct
Nov
Dec
SeasonsCastings
The New York market.
What gets shot here, how the agencies work, at what rhythm the work arrives.
Campaigns, advertising, e-commerce, catalogues: the widest commercial market. Fees are often negotiated by usage — the buyout weighs more than the day.
US agencies charge the model a commission and the client a service fee. Working in the US requires a work visa, often O-1, arranged with the local agency — count on months.
Two fashion weeks, February and September, shorter than Paris. Commercial runs all year, with a dip in July–August.
Money in New York.
Dollars, a 30% withholding to declare at home, a “Net 30” that runs 60 to 90 days, a buyout that can exceed the day rate and a conversion dated from the booking: five lines to read before signing.
In dollars; 20 to 25% commission
Often 30% for non-residents, reducible by treaty — to declare at home
“Net 30” on paper, 60 to 90 days in practice
Can exceed the day rate: read the usage before signing
$1,200 ≈ €1,105 at the booking-day rate; bank fees on top
Commission, terms and dates as of September 2026 — a market moves, and a contract always wins over a page.
Three things she does here without being asked.
- 01Note the exchange rate on the booking day and keep the withheld amount: your home tax return depends on it.
- 02An “all media, worldwide, perpetual” usage is common in US contracts: have it priced separately, or bounded.
- 03The visa has an end date: Odette keeps it in Documents and warns you before the season starts.
Agencies in New York.
Agencies with an office in New York, each opened on its own site in September 2026. Check its licence and its contract before you sign.
IMG ModelsModel, development, talent and creator boards; the New York office is on Park Avenue South.
Its site ↗
WilhelminaA modeling and talent agency; New York office on Lexington Avenue, with Los Angeles, Miami and London.
Its site ↗
Ford ModelsNew York office on East 31st Street, with offices across the US, Europe and Brazil.
Its site ↗
Next ManagementWomen, men, talent, creators and artists; the New York office is on Fulton Street.
Its site ↗
DNA Model ManagementWomen’s and men’s divisions, each with a main board and development; office at State Street Plaza.
Its site ↗
Marilyn AgencyTwo offices, New York and Paris; its site warns models about people impersonating its agents.
Its site ↗
No agency on this list should charge you to sign. Odette does not place models; this list is informational and not a recommendation.
Frequently asked
Which visa to work in New York?
Most often an O-1 for established models, sometimes other categories depending on profile. It’s prepared with the local agency and an immigration lawyer, months ahead.
How does the 30% withholding work?
It’s taken from non-residents’ fees and then declared at home, where the tax treaty avoids double taxation. Keep the proof.
What is a buyout worth in New York?
Often more than the day. Media × territory × term: have each extension priced. Odette’s contract reader flags an open usage.
Keep the money straight in New York.
The two screens that answer the questions this page raises: what you are owed, and what the agency has actually paid.
Other cities, same rules
A career often plays out on two or three markets at once. Odette keeps each one’s currency, terms and contract.
