P-1 Athletes, Entertainment Groups and Artists
The P Visa is a nonimmigrant visa for Athletes, Entertainment Groups and Artists wishing to work temporarily in the United States.
(Links to headings below)
P-1A Internationally Recognized Athlete
P-1B Entertainment Group
P-2 Artistic Exchange
P-3 Culturally Unique Artists
Duration of Stay
Numerical Limits
Dependents
Helpful Links
P-1A Internationally Recognized Athlete
The P-1A classification applies to a foreign national coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance. An athlete needs to possess a high level of skill and achievement, evidenced by recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered and known in more than one country.
P-1B Entertainment Group
The P-1B classification also applies to a foreign national 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. The reputation of the group, not the achievements of individual members or the acclaim of a particular production, is essential.
To qualify for a P visa the applicant 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. Additionally, at least 75 percent of the members of the group must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.
P-2 Artistic Exchange
The P-2 classification applies to a foreign national coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the U.S. and an organization in another country.
P-3 Culturally Unique Artists
The P-3 classification applies to foreign nationals coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique. To qualify for the P-3 classification the artist needs to come to the United States for the purpose of participating in a cultural event or events which will further the understanding or development of such art form.
P-1, 2, or 3 (Accompanying Support Personnel)
This category applies to accompanying support personnel who are highly skilled foreign nationals coming temporarily as an essential and integral part of the competition or performance of a P-1, P-2, or P-3. Essential support personnel must perform support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance or services of the athlete or entertainer.
Duration of Stay
P petitions may be granted to an individual athlete for a period needed to complete the performance, up to 5 years initially and for a total of 10 years with extensions.
All other P visa applicants may receive the P status for an initial period not exceeding one year which may later be extended in increments of up to one year in order to complete the performance or competition.
Numerical Limits
There is currently no annual cap on P visas.
Dependents
Dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21 years of age) of P-1’s are admitted under P-4 status with the same restrictions as the principal. Dependants may not work in the U.S. under this classification; however, they are eligible to study.
