B
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The most appropriate visa for a person who performs as an artist
The P visa category covers athletes and entertainers who do not
qualify under the “extraordinary ability” standards of the O visa.
The only other category under which athletes or entertainers may
be admitted to the U.S. is the H-2B visa, which requires the more
lengthy process of obtaining a labor certification.
We assist companies, workers, and their dependent family
members in obtaining their P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 visas. We
prepare the extensive paperwork and guide them through the
distinct and complex rules that are applicable to each of the
disciplines within this visa category.
We coordinate matters between employer and employee, and
represent the parties before the USCIS in the U.S. and the
consulate of the employee’s home country. We guide the parties
through decisions regarding the distinct eligibility requirements for
P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas, as well as available waivers from those
requirements.
We obtain and assemble all documentary evidence, including no
objection letters and advisory reports from peer groups, labor
unions, and management organizations, as required, affidavits,
employment contracts, company letters, specific proof applicable
to each P visa, and assist with the change from a P visa to
another visa, as appropriate.
P VISA CATEGORY
P-1 visas are available to internationally recognized athletes,
athletic teams, and entertainment groups. P-2 visas are available
to artists or entertainers, either individually or as a group, who
perform under a reciprocal exchange program between the U.S.
and another country. P-3 visas are available to artists or
entertainers who come to the U.S. either individually or as a group
to develop, perform, teach or coach in a culturally unique event.
P-4 visas are available to accompanying relatives of P-1, P-2 and
P-3 visa holders.
P Visa Privileges:
The P visa category covers athletes and entertainers who do not
qualify under the “extraordinary ability” standards of the O visa.
The only other category under which athletes or entertainers may
be admitted to the U.S. is the H-2B visa, which requires the more
lengthy process of obtaining a labor certification.
We assist companies, workers, and their dependent family
members in obtaining their P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 visas. We
prepare the extensive paperwork and guide them through the
distinct and complex rules that are applicable to each of the
disciplines within this visa category.
We coordinate matters between employer and employee, and
represent the parties before the USCIS in the U.S. and the
consulate of the employee’s home country. We guide the parties
through decisions regarding the distinct eligibility requirements for
P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas, as well as available waivers from those
requirements.
We obtain and assemble all documentary evidence, including no
objection letters and advisory reports from peer groups, labor
unions, and management organizations, as required, affidavits,
employment contracts, company letters, specific proof applicable
to each P visa, and assist with the change from a P visa to
another visa, as appropriate.
P VISA CATEGORY
P-1 visas are available to internationally recognized athletes,
athletic teams, and entertainment groups. P-2 visas are available
to artists or entertainers, either individually or as a group, who
perform under a reciprocal exchange program between the U.S.
and another country. P-3 visas are available to artists or
entertainers who come to the U.S. either individually or as a group
to develop, perform, teach or coach in a culturally unique event.
P-4 visas are available to accompanying relatives of P-1, P-2 and
P-3 visa holders.
P Visa Privileges:
• Visas can be issued quickly.
• You may travel freely in and out of the U.S. for the term of
the visa.
• Visas are available to essential support personnel of all P
visa holders.
• Visas may be issued to accompanying relatives, but they
may not work or study.
• You do not have to prove that you intend to return to your
home country residence when your business in the U.S. is
completed.
• You may apply for permanent residence while in P status.
• You must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a
particular event, tour or season.
• Individual entertainers are not eligible for P-1 visas.
• P-1 visa holders must have international reputations.
(Inapplicable to circus groups; waivers are available for
certain entertainment groups with national reputations.)
• P-1 entertainment groups must be “outstanding” for a
“sustained and substantial period of time”.
• Seventy five percent of P-1 entertainment group members
must be part of the group for at least one year.
(Inapplicable to all P-1 support personnel and circus
performers; waivers available, e.g., in case of illness or
unanticipated circumstances, or a new critical member of
the group.)
• Specific and detailed evidentiary requirements must be
met regarding international or national reputation (P-1);
reciprocal exchange programs (P-2), and culturally unique
groups (P-3).
• Letters of no objection or advisory opinions must normally
be obtained from U.S. peer groups, labor organizations, or
management organizations to obtain principal and support
P visas.
• You are restricted to working for the employer who acted
as your sponsor.
BOGLE
OKOYE
CHANG
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BOGLE & CHANG, LLC
Copyright © 2010 Bogle & Chang, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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P Work Visas: Artists, Musicians, Entertainers
P-1 VISAS:
OUSTANDING ATHLETES,
ATHLETIC TEAMS, AND
ENTERTAINERS
OUSTANDING ATHLETES,
ATHLETIC TEAMS, AND
ENTERTAINERS
P-2 VISAS:
PARTICIPANTS IN
RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE
PROGRAMS
PARTICIPANTS IN
RECIPROCAL EXCHANGE
PROGRAMS
O-1 AND O-2 VISAS:
PERSONS OF
EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
IN THE ARTS, ATHLETICS,
SCIENCE, BUSINESS AND
EDUCATION
PERSONS OF
EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY
IN THE ARTS, ATHLETICS,
SCIENCE, BUSINESS AND
EDUCATION
P-3 VISAS:
CULTURALLY
UNIQUE GROUPS
CULTURALLY
UNIQUE GROUPS
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