Meta AI scientist moves to London after US denies re-entry post China visit: 'America’s loss'

Wang’s X post sparked online debate over the US immigration system. (Image credit: Swipe Insight)

• Meta AI scientist Zifan Wang denied US re-entry, moves to London for work
• Wang's O-1 visa stamp was denied after visiting family in China
• Social media users say UK gains talent as US loses an established researcher

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A Meta AI research scientist has moved to London after being denied re-entry into the United States.  In a social media post, Zifan Wang, who holds a PhD from Carnegie Mellon University, said his O-1 "extraordinary ability" (or genius) visa stamp was denied re-entry after visiting his family in China.

Wang had been living and working legally in the US for seven years on an O-1 visa, reserved for people of “extraordinary ability”.

Describing the experience as “unexpected and crazy,” Wang said on social media that he had been an established researcher in the US.

After being denied re-entry to the US, he announced on social media that he would be moving from San Francisco to London to continue his work. He added he plans to continue his work and engage with AI and AI safety researchers in London.

"I am moving from SF to London! Looking forward to chatting with people here, working on AI and AI safety. When I visited my family and friends in China last month, my O1 visa stamp for re-entry was denied, so it is not possible for me to return US immediately after my trip, which was unexpected and crazy. I have been studying and working in the US prob like for about 7 years," he wrote in his X post.

The post quickly went viral on social media, with many saying the US would lose talent while the UK would gain.

I am moving from SF to London! Looking forward to chatting with people here working on AI and AI safety 😏. When I visited my family and friends in China last month, my O1 visa stamp for re-entrance was denied so it is not possible for me to return US immediately after my trip,…

— Zifan (Sail) Wang (@_zifan_wang) January 27, 2026

One user wrote, “London is a great city. I had a great time when I lived there: so many parks, museums, Wimbledon, Lords, etc. I hope you will return to the US soon. But enjoy your time in London.”

Another user said, “Sorry this has happened, but I can tell you as someone who just moved to sf from London, I LOVED living there. If you need any non-tech friends, most of my group were trad art world people.”

A third user commented, “I'm sure you'll find driving on the right no problem. Welcome to the UK. It's great you're here. I hope you'll find some good restaurants to your liking. There are a lot of great restaurants in London and, in general, a lot of great cultural events to experience.”