P-1 visas are for members of entertainment groups, individual athletes and for members of athletic teams.

What are the requirements for a P-1 visa?

Requirements vary depending on the applicant’s specialization:

A "P-1" athlete must be coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at an athletic competition as an athlete (individually or as part of a group or team) at an internationally recognized level of performance which means a high level of achievement shown by a degree of skill and recognition showing you are renowned, leading or well know in more than one country.  You must have the following:

A contract with a major U.S. sports league or team or a contract in an individual sport and, documentation of at least two of the following:

• Evidence of participation in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league;
• Evidence of participation in international competition with a national team;
• Evidence of participation in a prior season with a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition
• A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or official of the governing body of the sport which details how you or your team is internationally recognized;

A "written statement" from a member of the sports media or expert which details how you or the team is internationally recognized

• Evidence that you or the team has received a significant honor or award
• Evidence that you or the team is ranked
  

  

Eligibility for P-1 Entertainers

A P-1 entertainer must be coming to perform as a member of an entertainment group.  Individual entertainers do not qualify for P-1 status.  Individual entertainers may qualify as O1, P-2, P-3, or H-2B visa holders. You must perform as part of a group or be essential support for the group.  The status of the group determines eligibility for the P-1 visa.  The group must be internationally recognized as outstanding for a sustained period.  You must show:

• Evidence that the group has been established and performing regularly for at least one year;
• A statement listing each member of the group and the exact dates which that member has been employed on a regular basis by the group; and
• Evidence that the group is internationally recognized which may be demonstrated by evidence of the groups nomination or receipt of significant international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in its field or by at least three of the following:

• Past and future performance of services as a starring or leading entertainment group in productions which have a distinguished reputation as evidence by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements;
• Past or future receipt of a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services comparable to others as evidenced by reliable evidence; Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, evidence by ratings, standing in the field, box office receipts, record, cassette or video sales and other achievements in the field as reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications;
  
• Significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field; International recognition for achievement in the groups field as evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals or magazines.
  
• Past and future performance of services as a leading or starring group for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications or testimonials

How long is the P-1 visa valid?

You are admitted for the time necessary to complete the event, competition or performance.

Who qualifies for a P-2 visa?

P-2 visa is for entertainers that are part of reciprocal international exchanges.

What are the requirements of a P-2 visa?

You must be either an entertainer or artist with skills comparable to those of the U.S. entertainer participating in the exchange.  You don’t need to show you are in a lead or starring role, have achieved international recognition, or involved in a program that has a distinguished reputation.  No fixed level of expertise is required.

How long is the P-2 visa valid?

You are admitted for then time necessary to complete the reciprocal international program or event.

Who qualifies for a P-3 visa?

P-3 Visa is for performers in culturally unique programs.

What Are the Requirements of a P-3 Visa? You must be coming to the U.S. primarily for cultural events to further the understanding or development of that art form.  A culturally unique program is a style of artistic expressing, medium or methodology, which is unique to a particular nation, country, class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, society, or other group of persons.  Coaches, performers and teachers are eligible for P-3 visas.  You may be admitted for non-commercial or commercial performances.

How long is the P-3 visa valid?

You are admitted for the duration of the culturally unique program or event.

Who qualifies for a P-4 visa?

P-4 visa is for spouses and children of P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders.

What are the requirements of a P-4 visa?

A P-4 visa is for spouses and children of P-1, P-2 and P-3 visa holders that accompany or join those the P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder.  P-4 visa holders may not work in the U.S.

How long is the P-4 visa valid?

You are admitted for the duration of the event for which the P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder is admitted.