The P Visa is a short-term U.S. visa, open to foreign nationals of multiple subcategories. 

P-1A – Internationally Recognized Athlete

P-1B – Member of an International Entertainment Group 

P-2 – Solo Performer or Part of a performing Reciprocal Exchange Program Group

P-3 – Entertainer or Artist Participating in a Culturally Unique Program

Considered to be a unique category of work visa, the P visa is exclusive to artists and entertainers entering the United States as individuals, teams, or with entertainment companies.The applicants of the P-visa are required to submit proof of a job offer from a U.S. employer. Further, the essential support personnel of such applicants may also be granted visas under a similar letter-number designation.

You are eligible to opt for a P-1A visa under-

Individual Athletes Criteria

Under the individual athlete quota, the applicant must be coming to the States to participate in competition, individual events, or performances. Further, the player needs to be internationally recognized with a significant level of achievement to their name, supported by a degree of recognition for special skills, and must be famous in more than one country.

Athletic Teams Criteria

The Athletic Teams Criteria requires applicants to participate in team events during their visit to the States. The individual must have significant international recognition and participate in a distinguished match with teams of international recognition.

Application Process

Athletes coming to the United States must have their Form I-129 filed by the U.S employer. The application needs to be backed by a Petition for nonimmigrant Worker, an appropriate fee, and necessary documentation.
However, if you’re a petitioner filing as an agent for multiple employers, you’ll have to establish your authorization to act as an agent.

The P-1B classification applies to you if you’re an applicant visiting the United States temporarily. For an application under this category, you need to be a member of an entertainment group with outstanding international recognition in discipline for a substantial period. At least 75% of your group members must be associated with the group for a substantial time, or at least a year. Further, the applicants will only be considered under the group’s reputation as a whole. Individual entertainers who won’t be performing as a group aren’t eligible for this visa classification.

Special Provision for Certain Entertainment Groups

Foreign circus performers and essential personnel are exempted from the year and international recognition requirement. However, the foreign applicants must be coming to participate in a nationally recognized circus. Further, certain nationally renowned entertainment groups may be an exception to the internationally recognized clause if they can establish national recognition as outstanding in its discipline for a prolonged period.

Application Process

Performing Groups coming to the United States must have their Form I-129 filed by the U.S employer. The application further needs to be submitted with a Petition for nonimmigrant workers, appropriate fee, and necessary documentation. Your employer must also submit consultation from a recognized labor organization highlighting the nature of the work done. In the case of groups, your employer can also submit a statement proving an established group performing regularly for over a year. However, it should be noted that if you’re a petitioner filing as an agent for multiple employers, you’ll have to establish your authorization.

Change Of Employer

Applicants under the Visa category P-1B can opt for a change in employer once the new employer files for a Form I-129 with USCIS, seeking permission for employment and extended stay. Note that you cannot commence employment until your Form I-129 has been approved.

Who Qualifies for the P-2 Visa?

The P-2 visa is a temporary classification that applies to entertainers coming to the United States as entertainers or artists, individually or as part of a group performing under an exchange program between a foreign organization and the United States. You must be an artist entering the States via a reciprocal exchange program that the government recognizes. In addition, you must be having skills equivalent to United States artists and entertainers who’ll be a part of the exchange.

Application Process

Applicants of the P-2 visa must have their Form I-129 filed by the U.S employer, supported alongside Petition for nonimmigrant Worker, appropriate fee, and necessary documentation. Remember, if you’re a petitioner filing as an agent for multiple employers, you’ll have to verify your authorization.

Change Of Employer

Applicants under the Visa category P-2 are entitled to change employers. Still, you can only do this once your new employer files for a Form I-129 with USCIS, seeking permission for employment and extended stay. Note that you cannot commence employment until your Form I-129 has been approved.

Who Qualifies for the P-3 Visa?

The P-3 classification applies to you if you’re a temporary foreign national who is visiting the United States to teach, perform or coach as an entertainer or artist. Further, the applicant also needs to justify if they’ll be coming individually, as a group member, or under a cultural exchange program. Remember, the program may either be of commercial or noncommercial nature.

Application Process

Applicants of the P-3 visa need to get their Form I-129 filed by the sponsoring organization or the U.S employer. A Petition must further support the application for nonimmigrant Worker. Remember, if you’re a petitioner filing as an agent for multiple employers, you’ll have to verify your authorization.

Change Of Employer

Applicants under the Visa category P-3 can change employers once the new employer files for a Form I-129 with USCIS, seeking permission for employment and extended stay. Further, it should be noted that you cannot commence employment until your Form I-129 has been approved.

Family of P Visa Holders

If you’re a successful P visa holder, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years are entitled to a P-4 status. However, it should be noted that your dependents can’t engage in employment but may attend school or college.  Since its inception, the Law Offices of Prashanthi Reddy, PLLC, an NYC-based immigration law practice, has helped many applicants successfully submit their P Visa applications. As a result, our attorneys are well versed with the right practices in P Visa cases, allowing us to foresee problems and provide appropriate advice at the right moment. For more information, contact The Law Offices of Prashanthi Reddy at prashanthi@reddyesq.com or by calling 212-354-1010.