Entertainment Visa Overview

P Class Nonimmigrant Visa for Athletes and Entertainers

The P visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa issued to performing athletes, entertainers and artists who possess international recognition.  Entertainers must generally be part of a group, and members of the group must hold a minimum period of membership as part of the group of typically at least one year.

On this page, you’ll learn more about the application process for a P-class visa, and find answers to many common questions about employment visas.  If you are seeking a P visa for yourself or on behalf of someone whom you represent, you may want to consult with an immigration representative for more extensive information on P visas, with advice specific to your situation.

What You’ll Find on This Page:

Who Qualifies for a P Entertainment Visa?

Artists and athletes participating in international competition, major entertainment events or productions such as tours and performances, as well as other professional work, may apply for and enter the United States on a P-1 visa.

P-2 and P-3 visas are less common visas in the same category.  The P2 visa is required for individual or group artists and entertainers in a reciprocal exchange program between organizations in the US and abroad.  The P3 visa is granted to individual or group artists and entertainers entering the US to develop, coach, or teach a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation.

The specification “international recognition” is crucial to being considered eligible for the P visa.  As defined by the US State Department, being internationally recognized means “having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.”

Staff and personnel such as crew members, personal staff and others may also be eligible to receive P-1 visas.

Entertainment Worker Visa Application process:

Visa Application and Forms:

For the P visa, as with any nonimmigrant worker visa, the standard nonimmigrant applications must be completed and submitted, detailing personal information and qualifications.  You must be able to produce documents proving contract affiliation with the major league or competition in the case of an athlete, or of the status of “international recognition” in the case of an entertainer or artist. 

The standard forms required for application include Form DS-156, the Nonimmigrant Visa Application, as well as Form DS-158, Contact Information and Work History. Some individuals, including all male applicants between 16-45 and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran (and other so-called “terrorist states”), will be required to complete a Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.

You must also possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond the end of your stay and submit a standard 2x2 photograph of yourself with your application.

Proof of “International Recognition” for P Entertainment Visas:

Athletes

  • Significant participation in a prior season in major US sports league;
  • International competition with national team;
  • Participation in international competition with a national team;
  • Significant participation in a prior season for a US college or university in intercollegiate competition;
  • Written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport which details how the alien or team is internationally recognized;
  • The individual or team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings; or
  • The individual or team has received a significant honor or award in the sport.

Musicians, entertainers, artists

  • Performance as starring entertainment group in events with distinguished reputation and participation;
  • Reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, or magazines showing evidence of international critical recognition and acclaim;
  • Professional indications such as ratings, box office receipts, record or video sales, or other evidence of commercial success or critical acclaim; and/or
  • Receipt of internationally-recognized major award or nomination for award.

Visa Interview:

The application process for media employees involves an interview (for persons 14-79 years old), which are scheduled by the U.S. consulate or embassy where you applied after your application has been approved. At the interview, a digital fingerprint will be taken.

The wait time for an interview varies, and so it makes sense to schedule it as early as possible before you plan to leave.  The State Department website provides a helpful waiting time list for consulates around the world to help you plan on when your interview will be scheduled.

Visa Application Fees:

On January 1, 2008, the Department of State raised the fees for visa services. The current application fee for any visa is $131.  If your application is approved and your visa is issued, you will also be charged a “visa issuance” fee of an additional $131. 

Entering the United States:

A P visa grants a period of stay for up to five years, as applied for by your employer.  At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. You will also be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program at the port of entry.

Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with a P Visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be classified as a nonimmigrant visitor to accompany or join you, under the P-4 status. They may apply as an attachment to your P visa application, or separately, with proof of the original P visa.

Anyone who receives a visa as spouse or child of a temporary worker under a P visa may not accept employment in the United States; you as the main applicant must show that you are able to support your entire family throughout your stay.  However, your children or spouse may study in the U.S. without an F student visa, or may obtain a B visitor visa (or travel with no visa if qualified under the Visa Waiver Program) if not residing with you or visiting only for vacation.

Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on a P Visa?

Yes.  You may apply for an extension of your visa filing Form I-539, “Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status” with USCIS before your current visa expires.  You may include any dependents who also wish to extend their visa on this form when you submit it.  There is a filing fee of $300 to be paid upon submission.

Extensions may be granted up to a total of 10 years.

Speak to an Immigration Team Member for More Information about the P Entertainment Visa

The application process for a P visa can be difficult and time-consuming if you are not familiar with U.S. immigration policies.  Aside from complicated immigration paperwork and visa applications, it may be difficult to prove “international recognition” as many modern musicians such as Lily Allen, the KIaxons and M.I.A. know well.  If you or someone you represent are seeking to prepare a P-1 or other visa application, an immigration lawyer can examine your paperwork in greater detail and directly advise you on how to proceed and what to expect.

If you'd like to speak with an immigration rep, call 877-854-7606 or simply fill out our Immigration Assessment Form.