P Visas
Athletes, Artists & Entertainers
The P-1 visa classification provides for admission into the United States of certain athletes, entertainers, artists, and their essential support personnel. Individual members of the entertainment industry are not eligible for the P-1 visa classification, but individual athletes are. For members of the entertainment industry, visas will be issued for a specific event only. However, individual athletes may be admitted for up to five years and a team for a period of up to six months.
The P-2 classification applies to an alien who is coming temporarily to the United States to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, or as an integral part of the performance of such a group, and who seeks to perform under a reciprocal exchange program which is between an organization or organizations in the United States and an organization or organizations in one or more foreign states, and which provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.
The P-3 visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is “culturally unique.”
Do you qualify for a P visa?
Your sponsor is required to file a petition, Form I-129, on your behalf with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Your sponsor or employer should contact the USCIS for further information. In the case of an alien who is traditionally self-employed or who uses agents to arrange short-term employment with numerous employers, an agent may file the petition with the USCIS. An agent may also file a petition on behalf of a foreign employer. For more information, visit USCIS at www.uscis.gov.
What happens once a petition has been approved by USCIS?
If a P petition has been approved in your name you will be required to apply for a visa before traveling to the United States. The Notice of Action, form I-797A or B, is not valid for travel unless accompanied by the appropriate visa.
IMPORTANT: When calling our Call Center for an appointment, have your I-797 receipt ready so you can give the operator your receipt number. This will allow the Consulate to prepare for your visa application visit and provide a faster service.
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative P-4 visas. To qualify for a dependent visa, applicants must bring civil documents to prove relationship to the principal applicant, i.e. spouses: original marriage certificate, children: original birth certificate. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.
Working on a P-4 visa
The holder of a P-4 visa may not work on a derivative visa. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa will be required.