P Visa: Artists and athletes work permit

Suitable for foreign artists, professional sport athletes, film crew members and musicians having concerts in USA.

P-1A: Athletes and Professional Sports Players

The P-1A visa for athletes provides a great alternative to an O visa petition for athletes. P-1A has been expanded to allow minor league and amateur athletes an opportunity to qualify for the visa under certain circumstances.

It is critical to this designation to show that the person applying for the visa performs at a degree of skill substantially above that ordinarily encountered in the field. P-1 athletes need to document this by evidencing that they are internationally recognized and going to compete or participate in an athletic competition or league with a distinguished reputation.

Evidence relating to the athletic competition or league that the athlete will participate in as well as documentary evidence showing the athletes distinguished abilities, such as participation with an international team in the past, competitions within the U.S. on a collegiate level, as well as individual rankings and supporting statements from experts in the field, are all types of supporting documentation critical to a P visa petition.

P-1B: Entertainment Groups

The P-1B petition for entertainment groups includes groups as small as two persons. One of the applicable requirements for entertainment groups is that at least 75% of the petitioned group must have been together for more than one year prior to the time of filing of the petition. The P-1B can be used by a wide array of entertainment groups including musicians, dancers, singers, circus personnel, and so on.

The persons who are petitioned under the P-1B must have evidence that 75% of the group has been together and performed for at least one year. Additionally, the P-1B petition must be accompanied by evidence that the group has been nominated for a significant international award or the group must show any three of the following:

1. Reviews in major publications,
2. Star or leads in performances with distinguished reputation,
3. Star or leads in performance for organizations that have distinguished reputation,
4. Testimonials regarding the groups significant recognition,
5. Major commercial or critically acclaimed success, or
6. That the group will command or has commanded a high salary.

Note that depending on the specific type of entertainment group certain requirements may vary.
An entertainment group on a P-visa may not be admitted for more then one year.

Examples of qualified professional entertainment groups / bands accepted:
Music bands (rock, jazz, country, world music, rap, techno, mariachi)
Dance groups and trainers
Circus crew and performers
Synchronized Swimmers
And more...

P-2: Reciprocal Exchange

P-3: Culturally Unique Program

As this visa is intended for performers entering the U.S. to teach, coach, or represent a culturally unique artistic performance, much of the evidence required focuses on testimonial evidence from experts who can attest to the skill and traditional background of the performance and performers.