Temporary Visas
- Temporary Visas
- H-1B Visas
- The Annual Cap
- H-1B Cap Exemptions
- H-1B Cap Timing Issues
- Find Legal Help From An Experienced H-1B Lawyer
- B-1/B-2 What You Can & Cannot Do as a Visitor
- J-1 Waivers
- O-1 Visas
- Tips for Collecting Evidence of Extraordinary Ability
- Building Your Case For Extraordinary Ability
- Difference Between an I-94 & a Visa
- What are the Effects of Unlawful Presence?
P Visas
P-1, P-2 & P-3
The P-1 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 the relevant U.S. labor union or peer group. P-1 entertainment groups may be admitted for a period of up to 1 year.
The P-1 visa is also 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, and a peer advisory opinion from the governing U.S. sports league. P-1 athletes may be admitted for a period of up to 5 years.
The P-2 visa is for workers in a reciprocal exchange program, typically through a foreign labor union that has a U.S. sister-organization. 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, 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, as well as a peer advisory opinion from the relevant U.S. labor union or peer group. P-3 performers in a culturally unique discipline may be admitted for a period of up to 1 year.
Culturally unique denotes a discipline or art form historically practiced by, originating from or associated with a particular and distinct national, ethnic or sociolinguistic group, such as flamenco, gamelan, or capoeira.
Contact Karin Wolman is you have any questions about obtaining a P-1, P-2 or P-3 visa.