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Entertainers, Athletes, and Cultural Performers P-1,P-2,P-3 Visa

The P visa category covers entertainers, athletes and cultural performers. There are three different visa classifications within this category. P-1 visas are for athletes and group entertainers that have been internationally recognized as outstanding for a long and continuous period of time. P-2 visas are for entertainers that are a part of reciprocal international exchanges. P-3 visas are for persons coming to teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique. P visas are also available to essential support personnel. P-4 visas are available to the spouses and children of P-1, P-2 and P-3 visa holders.

P-1 VISA

P-1 visas are issued to certain entertainers, circus artists, and athletes who wish to work temporarily in the U.S.

Outstanding athletes may apply for this visa in order to compete in the U.S., either as individuals or as members of an internationally recognized athletic team.

Entertainment groups with an outstanding international reputation can be granted P-1 classification as a unit; however individual entertainers within these groups cannot apply for P-1 visas to perform separate from the group.

P-1 visas can also be granted to essential support personnel of P-1 athletes and entertainment groups

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are permitted to accompany you to the United States, under P-4 status. P-4 visa holders are not allowed to work, but may attend schools or colleges. Servants of a P-1 visa holder may receive a B-1 visa with work authorization.

P-2 VISA

P-2 Visas are issued to artists or entertainers, individually or as a group entering the U.S. as a part of a reciprocal exchange program. There should be two organizations involved in this exchange program: one in the U.S. and one abroad. Essential support personnel of P-2 artists or entertainers can also obtain P-2 visas.

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are permitted to accompany you to the United States, under P-4 status. P-4 visa holders are not allowed to work without being granted permission.

P-3 VISA

P-3 classification can be given to artists or entertainers who are coming to the U.S. individually or as a group to develop, interpret, coach or teach a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical or artistic performance or presentation. The person must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a cultural event that will further the understanding or development of his or her art form.

Essential personnel of P-3 artists and entertainers can also obtain P-3 visas. Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are permitted to accompany you to the United States, under a P-4 status. P-4 visa holders are not allowed to work, but may attend schools or colleges.