P Visa Processing for Musical Groups and Athletes

The P-1A visa is intended for athletes who participate in individual sports or as part of an internationally recognized team.

The P-1B visa on the other hand is intended for persons who perform as part of an entertainment group that has been internationally recognized.

The P-2 visa is a visa intended for the reciprocal exchange of an artist or entertainer between an organization abroad and an organization in the U.S.

A P-3 visa is available to a culturally unique artist or entertainer.
P-1A: Athletes
The P-1A visa for athletes provides a great alternative to an O visa petition for athletes. P-1A has been expanded to allow minor league and amateur athletes an opportunity to qualify for the visa under certain circumstances.

It is critical to this designation to show that the person applying for the visa performs at a degree of skill substantially above that ordinarily encountered in the field. P-1 athletes need to document this by evidencing that they are internationally recognized and going to compete or participate in an athletic competition or league with a distinguished reputation.

Evidence relating to the athletic competition or league that the athlete will participate in as well as documentary evidence showing the athletes distinguished abilities, such as participation with an international team in the past, competitions within the U.S. on a collegiate level, as well as individual rankings and supporting statements from experts in the field, are all types of supporting documentation critical to a P visa petition.

P-1A athletes are admitted to the U.S. for up to 5 years on the first visa, with one extension available for an additional five years.

P-1B: Entertainment Groups
The P-1B petition for entertainment groups includes groups as small as two persons. One of the applicable requirements for entertainment groups is that at least 75% of the petitioned group must have been together for more than one year prior to the time of filing of the petition. The P-1B can be used by a wide array of entertainment groups including musicians, dancers, singers, circus personnel, and so on.

The persons who are petitioned under the P-1B must have evidence that 75% of the group has been together and performed for at least one year. Additionally, the P-1B petition must be accompanied by evidence that the group has been nominated for a significant international award or the group must show any three of the following:
- Reviews in major publications,
- Star or leads in performances with distinguished reputation,
- Star or leads in performance for organizations that have distinguished reputation,
- Testimonials regarding the groups significant recognition,
- Major commercial or critically acclaimed success, or
- That the group will command or has commanded a high salary.
Note that depending on the specific type of entertainment group certain requirements may vary. An entertainment group on a P-visa may not be admitted for more then one year.
P-2: Reciprocal Exchange
In order to qualify for this visa it is necessary to be exchanged from an organization abroad to an organization in the U.S. for a temporary period. This petition requires that the exchange be between persons with comparable talent and experience.
P-3: Culturally Unique Program
As this visa is intended for performers entering the U.S. to teach, coach, or represent a culturally unique artistic performance, much of the evidence required focuses on testimonial evidence from experts who can attest to the skill and traditional background of the performance and performers.
Feel free to contact us and let our attorneys assist you in efficiently finding the suitable visa petition for you individually or for your athletic or entertainment group. Let us assist you throughout this process, from discussing your options, to gathering and preparing the requisite evidentiary materials, preparing your visa petition, and being available for any questions you may have throughout the process.