P Visa - Performing Artists and Athletes
The P1 visa is a non-immigrant visa which allows foreign nationals who are athletes, artists and entertainers to enter into the U.S. for a specific event, competition or performance. P-1 visas apply only to internationally recognized entertainers and athletes and the applicant must provide evidence of a qualifying skill level similar to the requirements for the O visa for persons of extraordinary ability. P visa holders are also able to engage in part-time study and receive money for the event or performance they are involved in while in the U.S. On a P visa, the applicant may be allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to five years with additional extensions totaling a ten year stay. The P visa applicant may also apply for temporary visas for their essential accompanying personnel.
P-2 Visa for Exchange Programs
The P-2 classification applies to persons temporarily entering the U.S to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, in a reciprocal exchange program between foreign organizations and organizations in the U.S. This serves as a temporary exchange of artists or entertainers and so there should be two organizations involved in this exchange program.
P-3 Visa for Culturally Unique Performances
P-3 visas permit the admission of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, to perform, teach, or coach in a program that is “culturally unique.” The P-3 classification is for artists or entertainers coming to the U.S. for the purpose of developing, interpreting, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical or artistic performance or presentation for the benefit of a U.S audience. The P-3 visa holder must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a cultural event which will further understanding or development of their art form.
Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the principal P visa holder for the duration of the stay require derivative P-4 status. Spouses or children who do not intend to reside in the U.S with the principal P visa holder, but who wish to visit the U.S. for vacation, may be eligible to apply for visitor visas.
Document Requirements:
Along with the I-129 petition, the following supporting documents should be submitted:
- Written advisory opinion from the appropriate labor organization or union which evaluates the person’s or group’s ability
- Contract with a major U.S. sports league or team or one commensurate with international recognition in the sport
- Written statement from a U.S. official in the sport detailing how the individual or team is internationally recognized
- Written statement from a bona fide expert in the field detailing how the individual or team is recognized within the sport
- Evidence of the individual’s or team’s ranking
- Evidence of a significant honor or award in the field
Very specific requirements apply to P visa applicants, and without being able to produce the necessary supporting documentation to show international recognition in the respective field, it will be unlikely that a P visa petition will be approved by USCIS. Since our main office in the Los Angeles area, our attorneys are very experienced in filing for both the O and P visas for artists, athletes, and performers. You can trust our expertise to assemble the most favorable case for your visa applicant. Please contact our office for more detailed information on available visas for accomplished artists, athletes, or performers.
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