What Is A P-2 Reciprocal Exchange Visa? Find Out From A California Visa Lawyer.

The P-2 reciprocal exchange visa is a very specific type of visa that gives performers and groups of performers to temporarily visit the United States to share their art in exchange for another similar group visiting their own country. To take part in the exchange, artists must have a similar level of skill to the other artists who are involved in the reciprocation.

Those holding a P-2 visa may also have essential supporting staff and dependents apply for a P visa. Someone with P-2 visa status is allowed to study part time, travel within the United States and around the world, and work and compete in the United States as a performer. You may stay in the U.S. with P-2 status for up to a year without filing for an extension. Your dependents may not work during your stay in the United States, though they may engage in fulltime study.

To apply for a P-2 visa, you must provide United States Citizenship and Immigration Services with the following information and documentation:

• A fully completed I-129 form from your sponsor. If you plan on working for more than one sponsor, each one should fill out a separate form.
• A copy of the reciprocal exchange agreement.
• A statement from the organization sponsoring the exchange.
• Proof that the two groups or individuals involved in the exchange have similar skills and experience as well as similar terms and contracts.
• If applicable, an itinerary of events, including their dates and locations.

Would you like to participate in a P-2 reciprocal exchange with a performer or group of performers in the United States. Do you have a sponsor for a performance-based trip to the U.S. but don’t know what the next step is? Consult with the Bay Area immigration visa attorneys at the Law Offices of Vaughan de Kirby to learn more about your best options for artist-related temporary immigration.