+1 (212) 918 4940
Karin Wolman: New York Immigration Lawyer
Get an Initial Consultation
Temporary Visas

P Visa Attorney for Athletes & Entertainers

P-1, P-2 & P-3

The P-1A visa is available for internationally recognized athletes coming to the United States to compete in a sport, individually or as part of a team. It requires a petition by a U.S. employer or sponsor, with a contract of employment or sponsorship for the athlete, proof that the athlete is internationally recognized or ranked, proof that the event in which they are coming to compete ordinarily requires the participation of internationally-recognized athletes, and a peer advisory opinion from the governing U.S. sports league. P-1 athletes may be admitted for up to 5 years.

The P-1B visa is available for internationally recognized entertainment groups, coming to perform in the United States. A P-1 entertainment group requires a petition by a U.S. employer or sponsor, with a contract of employment or sponsorship, proof of the international renown of the group, and proof that at least 75% of the group has performed together for one year or more, as well as a peer advisory opinion from a U.S. labor union or peer group. P-1 entertainment groups may be admitted for up to 1 year.

The P-2 visa is for workers in a reciprocal exchange program, typically through a foreign labor union with a U.S. sister-union. P-2 visa applications are customarily handed directly by the unions, such as the American Federation of Musicians and its counterpart in Canada.

The P-3 visa is available to artists or entertainers coming to the U.S. to perform, teach or coach, either individually or as part of a group, in a culturally unique discipline in which they have achieved distinction. A P-3 performer or entertainment group in a culturally unique art form or discipline requires a petition by a U.S. employer or sponsor, with a contract of employment or sponsorship, proof of the national or international distinction of the individual artist or group in that discipline, with an explanation of how it is culturally unique, as well as a peer advisory opinion from a U.S. labor union or peer group. P-3 performers in a culturally unique discipline may be admitted for up to 1 year.

Culturally unique means a discipline or art form historically practiced by, originating from or associated with a distinct national, ethnic or sociolinguistic group. While traditional examples abound, such as flamenco, gamelan, or capoeira, new hybrid art forms can qualify if created and practiced by a distinct group of people.

Contact Karin Wolman is you have any questions about obtaining a P-1, P-2 or P-3 visa.