P Visas

To be used if you are coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, in a group/team or individually, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

You must be coming to the United States to participate in individual event, competition or performance in which you are internationally recognized with a high level of achievement; evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered so that the achievement is renowned, leading or well known in more than one country.

You must be coming to the United States to participate in team events and must have achieved significant international recognition in the sport. The event in which your team is participating must be distinguished and require the participation of athletic teams of international recognition.

To be used you if you are coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

At least 75% of the members of your group must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.
Your entertainment group must be internationally recognized, having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. Essential is the reputation of the group, not the individual achievements of its members or the acclaim of a particular production.
Note: Individual entertainers not performing as part of a group are not eligible for this visa classification.

Alien circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt the one year requirement and the internationally recognized requirement. The alien or aliens must be coming to join a nationally recognized circus. Certain nationally known entertainment groups may have the internationally recognized requirement waived if they can establish they have been recognized nationally as outstanding in its discipline for a sustained amount of time in consideration of special circumstances.

To be used if you are coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer, in a group or individually, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and

You must be an artist entering the United States through a government recognized reciprocal exchange program. In addition, you must possess skills comparable to those of the United States artists and entertainers taking part in the program outside the United States.

To be used if you are 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.

For a P-3 visa, you must be coming to the United States either in a group or individually for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation. Additionally, you must be coming to the United States to participate in a cultural event/events which will further the understanding/development of your art form. The program may be of a commercial/noncommercial nature.

Spouse and dependents can enter under P-4 status. Employment is not authorized unless permitted under another category.

Submit Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker accompanied by the appropriate fee and supporting documentation. Each P visa requires specific supporting documentation.