Archive · 28 Jan 2026
Meta Scientist Denied US Re-entry on 'Genius Visa'
A scientist named Zifan Wang, who worked for Meta in the US, was not allowed back into the country after visiting his family in China.
He had a special visa called the 'genius visa' (O-1 visa) that lets people with extraordinary abilities work in the US.
This visa is for people who are very talented in fields like science, arts, or business.
Zifan had been living and working in the US for about 7 years.
Many people on social media supported him and suggested he move to a country that treats him better.
Other famous people, like Adele and Benedict Cumberbatch, have also used this visa early in their careers.
Zifan Wang, an AI scientist at Meta, was denied re-entry into the US after visiting China.
Wang held an O-1 visa, known as the 'genius visa', for individuals with extraordinary abilities.
The O-1 visa allows temporary work in the US for up to 3 years with possible extensions.
Wang had been living and working in the US for approximately 7 years.
Several high-profile figures, including Adele and Benedict Cumberbatch, have used O-1 visas.
- Who
- Zifan Wang, an AI scientist at Meta
- What
- Denied re-entry into the US on an O-1 visa
- When
- After a trip to China last month
- Where
- US and China
- Why
- Visa stamp for re-entry was denied
- Person Involved
- Zifan Wang
- Visa Type
- O-1 (Genius Visa)
- Current Location
- London
- Previous Location
- San Francisco, USA
- Reason for Denial
- Visa stamp denial after trip to China
- Duration in US
- Approximately 7 years
- Visa Validity
- Up to 3 years, with 1-year extensions