P-1 Performing Artists & Athletes Visa

Helping Clients with Their immigration Needs for 40+ Years

P-1 (athletes and entertainers), P-2 (reciprocal exchange performers), and P-3 (culturally unique performers) visas are issued for the purpose of allowing the performer to enter the United States to compete or perform for a temporary time period.

Duration

The P-1 may be granted for up to five years with extensions not to exceed a total stay of 10 years. The P-2 is admitted only for the time period to complete the performance and is barred from reentering the United States for 90 days after the most recent admission. The P-3 is admitted only for the time period to complete the performance and is barred from reentering the United States for 90 days after the most recent admission.

Advantages

P visa holders are allowed to enter the United States and perform for payment or prize money. The compensation for the performance may be U.S.-based or foreign-based.

The P visa can be issued without seeking a labor attestation or labor certification, as in the case of the H visas. Certain P visa classifications do require an advisory opinion from the appropriate labor organization, however.

Requirements

P-1 athletes must demonstrate competition individually or as a team member at an internationally recognized level of performance.

P-1 entertainers must be part of a group that has received international recognition as outstanding for a sustained and substantial time period. The entertainers must also have been a member of the group for at least one year and provide integral functions to the group's performance.

P-2 exchange performers must participate through a reciprocal exchange program between a United States- and foreign-based organization which both exchange artists and entertainers. The performers must serve an integral part in the performance.

P-3 artists and entertainers must be performing in a program that is culturally unique.

Limitations

P-1 entertainers (though not athletes) must be performing as part of a group and not individually.

P-1 and P-3 visa petitions cannot be approved until the appropriate labor organization is consulted by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).

P-2 programs must be reciprocal in nature. A skilled P-1 visa attorney can guide you through every step of the legal process and help you pursue the results you need.

Call Maney | Gordon | Zeller, P.A. today at (800) 708-4399 or contact us online to schedule an initial consultation with our P-1 visa lawyers.