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Athlete, Artist and Entertainer Visas
P1 Visa | P2 Visa | P3 Visa
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Athlete, Artist and Entertainer Visas
P1 Visa, P2 Visa & P3 Visas
The U.S. visa program is very diverse and broad, covering a large group of athletes, artists, and entertainers in addition to individuals with extraordinary ability in the fields of science and technology. With many different types of artists, there are also a variety of visas to enter the US.
The P visa category is a nonimmigrant work visa category for internationally recognized athletes (P1-A visa), members of an internationally recognized entertainment group (P1-B visa), individual performers or performers as part of a group entering to perform under a reciprocal exchange program (P2 visa) and artists coming into the United States “to be part” of culturally unique programs (P3 visa), such as circuses or opera companies. The spouse and children are eligible for P4 visas – so long as they do not have any other immigration status in the country at that time. Below we will discuss how these four categories may apply to you if international recognition has lead you towards America’s shores.
Types of P Visas
For internationally recognized athletes.
For internationally recognized entertainers or members of internationally recognized entertainment groups
For individual performers or part of a group entering to perform under a reciprocal exchange program.
For artists or entertainers, either an individual or group, to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique.
Spouses and dependents under the age of 21 are eligible to accompany P visa holders under a P-4 visa.
We at Keamy Tavares & Associates are experts in preparing visa documents on behalf of foreign athletes, artists and entertainers. We win because we work hard to never lose.
P1 Visa
The P-1 Visa is designed for internationally recognized athletes or entertainment groups to come into the U.S. and perform in a show of international standing. Foreign athletes, as well as their coaches and other members of their support team may be eligible for P1 visas if they meet certain qualifications. To qualify for a P1 visa, the athlete or athletic team must be internationally-recognized in the specific sport in which they are trying to petition a foreign athlete. If an individual wants to come to the U.S., but doesn’t have his or her own professional sports team waiting on them when they get here, then that person will need proof of international reputation before being granted admission.
The USCIS defines international recognition as having a high level of achievement in a certain field that is evidenced by skill and recognition above the norm. The extent of the person’s achievement must be leading, renowned, or well-known throughout two countries at minimum for it to qualify them for P1 visas. If an internationally recognized team has qualified enough members to fill all spots on their roster with athletes holding P1 visas then they can receive one collectively; however, P1 visa holders are not able to perform services that are separate from his or her athletic team.
The P1 visa is separated into two types of visas, P1-A and P1-B, there are unique requirements for each discussed below.
P-1A Visa - Athlete
In general, the P-1A visa applicant must arrive temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually, or as part of team, and the performance must be at an internationally recognized level of performance.
The P-1A classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition. To be eligible for a P1A visa, an alien must:
I. Perform as an athlete (individually or part of a group) at an internationally recognized level of performance;
II. Be a professional athlete as defined in section 204(i)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act;
III. Perform as an athlete, or as a coach, as part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association of 15 or more amateur teams.
P-1B Visa - Member of an Entertainment Group
The P-1B visa classification also applies to an alien coming temporarily to perform as a member of a foreign-based entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time. This person also must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least one year) and/or provide functions integral to the group’s performance. The statute requires that the applicant have a foreign residence which he or she has no intention of abandoning. An alien who would qualify for P1B visa must:
I. An integral and essential part of the performance has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in their discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time,
II. In the case of a performer or entertainer, has had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least one year) and provides functions integral to the performance of their art,
III. Seeks to enter the United States temporarily and solely for the purposes of performing as such a performer or entertainer, who is integral in each performance.
Furthermore, the statute contains special considerations for circus groups where the immigration law is a lot more lenient. The statute contains special provisions for circus groups and certain types of circuses that are exempt from restrictions in other portions of the United States Code. For example, section 214(c)(4) A does not apply if you’re applying as an essential part of a nationally recognized or outstanding circus group with sustained success in this field over time! Contact us below to learn more about how you can qualify for a P visa.
P1 Visa Processing Time
The P1 visa processing time is generally 3-6 months, depending on the embassy you are applying from. While applying from within the US, you can consult with us to apply for the premium services. Premium processing provides expedited processing for Form I-129. Specifically, USCIS guarantees processing within 15 business days to those who choose to use this service, or they will refund the premium processing service fee and will continue with expedited processing.
After the consulate reviews your application, they will set up an interview with you. If the visa application gets approved, the visa will take at least a week to be issued. As the processing time is variable, our lawyers discourage you from scheduling any travel plans until after you get the visa.
However, the P1 visa processing time may also depend on your nationality. There are a few country-specific requirements that can extend the processing time. Our experienced visa attorneys can assist you throughout the entire process.
P1 Visa Extension
The period of validity and conditions for a P1 visa extension is dependant upon your individual circumstances:
For individual athletes: Your validity will be for 5 years, and the P1 visa extension will be for the next 5 years.
A group of athletes: the visa is applicable for the time needed to complete the competition. The maximum validity period that a visa can be issued for is one year, but an additional extension may also be granted.
Entertainers of entertainment groups: Visa validity is for 1 year. You can extend your visa in 1-year increments until the performance is completed.
Essential personnel: will have an initial validity of 1 year and may extend for an additional 5 years for a maximum stay of 10 years.
If you are a P1 visa holder, then you are eligible to work for more than one employer. However, if you are working for multiple employers, each one of them must file a separate petition. For an individual athlete or groups of athletes, if they want to change sponsors or employers, the new employer or sponsor needs to file a new petition. Our experienced counsel can guide you through the process seamlessly.
P1 Visa Cost
P1 Visa Cost:
- $460.00 -I-129 petition based (required)
- $2,500.00-Premium processing (optional)
- $190.00-Nonimmigrant Visa Application (required)
- Postage, copy, courier, etc. (variable)
Legal Fees
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the petition. O-1 usually petitions involve much more time to prepare than a P1 visa petition. Also, criminal issues, previous visa overstays or denials, issues having to do with National security or expedite request, etc. must first be evaluated.
Usually, the foreign athlete’s contract for services far exceeds attorney’s fees and costs and it is worthwhile because foreign athletes can’t afford a visa denial, which could hold up a competition and substantial earnings.
What Are a Foreign Athletes Chances of Obtaining a P1 Visa?
Depends on many factors:
- The athlete’s current ranking among peers, history, and P-1 sponsor
- The Attorney’s assessment of the qualification is essential for determining whether a B-1, P-1, or O-1 is the best choice
- Previous history/ denials / visa overstays
- Preparation for the interview
Our immigration lawyers have extensive experience preparing successful P1 visa applications. Schedule your consultation today to best set yourself up for success.
P2 Visa
Individuals or Groups in a Reciprocal Exchange
The P2 visa classification is available for artists or entertainers, either an individual or group, wanting to enter the U.S. temporarily as part of a reciprocal exchange program between a US organization and a foreign organization in another country. The entertainment visa USA is valid for the time needed to complete the event, performance or competition. However, the time is limited to only 1 year, with extensions available in increments of up to 1 year. If you are looking for an entertainment visa USA the below requirements should be considered:
Documents required for the visa include formal reciprocal exchange agreements that describe the exchange program and proof of qualifying skills.
Participants must furnish proof of the existence of the exchange program and the involvement of an appropriate labor organization in negotiating the exchange program.
Other people involved in the program must be of equal calibre and can be or will be employed in similar conditions for similar periods of time.
The dependents of a performer visa USA holder are not allowed to work during their stay in the country.
Your petition must also include the itinerary of events.
To apply for the P-2 or performer visa USA, the US sponsoring organizer or US employer is needed to file the P-2 petition with the USCIS. Our P2 visa lawyers will guide you through this step by step. You will also need to furnish a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization. Once the employee repetition gets approved, the artist or entertainer is free to apply for the P-2 USA artists visa at an appropriate US embassy or consulate.
The advantages of getting the P-2 or musician visa USA:
The P2 visa does not restrict your monument and engagement in a part-time study within the country.
The P2 visa holder is permitted to lawfully apply for adjustment of status to become a permanent U.S. resident.
The P2 visa holder’s spouse and unmarried children below the age of 21 are allowed to enter the United States under a P-4 status.
The dependents of a musician visa USA holder are permitted to engage in full-time study. However, they will need a P-4 visa.
If you have any questions about your P2 visa, don’t hesitate to contact us – our immigration attorneys are on standby and ready to assist you.
P3 Visa
Artist or Entertainer - Part of a Culturally Unique Program
The P3 visa USA classification is permitted to entertainers or artists- individually or as a group- for developing, representing, interpreting, teaching or coaching a unique artform including traditional, ethnic, cultural, folk, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation in the US. The spouse or children of the P3 visa holder will need a P4 status to enter the US. Connect with us to get legal assistance in obtaining a P4 visa.
The P3 visa requirements include:
The event can be commercial or non-commercial.
The applicant must be at least 18 years of age and able to communicate effectively.
The participant must be qualified to perform their part as specified on the petition.
The applicant must not reside in the US 1 year prior to the arrival on a P-3 Visa.
The visa holder can work for more than one employer in the US however each employer will need to file a P3 application on your behalf.
While the dependents of the P3 visa USA holder are permitted inside the country, to fulfil the P3 visa requirements, they are restricted from engaging in work within the country.
The P3 visa processing time may take up to 8 weeks to conclude. If you want to speed up the process, we can apply for a premium P3 visa processing time. The USCIS can guarantee a prompt decision on your petition within 15 business days on an additional payment of approximately $2,500.
We can also assist you with a P3 visa extension. The petitioner will need to file a Form I-129 on your behalf to request your extended stay, not exceeding a period of 1.5 years. The same applies to the P3 essential support personnel. The P3 visa extension for the P3 essential support personnel will need to be filed separately.
Our Immigration Attorneys are experts at navigating the US immigration process for athletes, artists and entertainers seeking the P1 Visa, P2 Visa & P3 Visas.
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- +1 619-789-6628
Contact Us
Confidential Consultation
- +1 619-789-6628
Professional and Experienced Immigration Law Attorney
Keamy Tavares & Associates
– Are Ready to Help You Move to the US
Your visa is important to us. We are here to help you with your P1 Visa, P2 Visa, P3 Visa, and P4 Visa while making sure that things go smoothly without any delays or problems! Let Johanna and her associates be your personal chauffeur on your road towards the land of opportunity.
Let’s Help You & Your Family Make it to The US
P1 Visa Alternatives
Some P1 visa alternatives include;
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Frequently Asked Questions
3 Common Visa Questions from Foreign Athletes Seeking to Enter the US
Petitions for O-1 or P-1 classification must be sent to USCIS before an appointment can be made with the consulate. This is different than a B-1 visa, which is not a petition-based classification.
- Normal processing is usually 3-5 months
- Premium processing/15 business days if the Applicant pays an additional $2,500.00 (15 business days excludes time for any request for evidence)
Total time to prepare all documents including forms and supporting letters and evidence is approximately 5-8 days for a P-1 and 20-25 days for an O-1.
We then schedule a consular appointment. The time to get a visa appointment depends on the Embassy but it is usually within 10 days. The total visa turnaround is 5 days unless the visa requires additional investigation such as criminal or security issues.
The minimum total time which includes USCIS processing and the Embassy interview is 30-45 days. We have been able to secure visas in less time when there is an expedite request due to unforeseen circumstance.
Costs:
- $460.00 -I-129 petition based (required)
- $1225.00-Premium processing (optional)
- $190.00-Nonimmigrant Visa Application (required)
- Postage, copy, courier, etc. (variable)
Legal Fees
Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of the petition. O-1 usually petitions involve much more time to prepare than a P-1 petition. Also, criminal issues, previous visa overstays or denials, issues having to do with National security or expedite request, etc. must first be evaluated.
Usually, the foreign athlete’s contract for services far exceeds attorney’s fees and costs and it is worthwhile because foreign athletes can’t afford a visa denial, which could hold up a competition and substantial earnings.
Depends on many factors:
- The athlete’s current ranking among peers, history and P-1 sponsor
- Attorney’s assessment of qualification is essential for determining whether a B-1, P-1 or O-1 is the best choice
- Previous history/ denials / visa overstays
- Preparation for the interview
We are Experts on Foreign Athlete Visas
We at Keamy Tavares & Associates are experts in preparing visa documents on behalf of foreign athletes. We win because we work hard to never lose.