P Visa – Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers

The P nonimmigrant visa classification is divided into four sub-classifications that permit temporary employment in the United States by qualified athletes, artists, and entertainers. If you think you may qualify for one, continue reading and reach out to the seasoned Virginia immigration lawyers here at Goel & Anderson today.

Types of P Visas

The types of P visas are:

• P-1A visas for individual athletes and athletic teams with international recognition in their sport;
• P-1B visas for members of an internationally recognized foreign-based entertainment groups;
• P-2 visas for persons who will perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, under a reciprocal exchange program;
• P-3 visas for persons who will perform, teach, or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, in a culturally unique program.

While the P visa classification is similar to the O-1 visa classification (which applies to people with extraordinary abilities in their field), its eligibility threshold is significantly less demanding. In contrast, however, one significant limitation of the P classification is that it is only available for a limited number of fields. A summary of the various P visa options is included below.

P-1A Internationally Recognized Athletes

The P-1 classification applies to persons who are coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

P-1B Visas for Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups

The P-1B visa classification permits members of a foreign-based entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time to come to the United States temporarily to undertake a performance or performance itinerary.

P-2 Visas for Individual Performers or Groups Performing Under a Reciprocal Exchange Program

The P-2 visa classification permits foreign nationals to temporarily perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.

P-3 Artist or Entertainer Coming to Be Part of a Culturally Unique Program

The P-3 visa classification permits and individual to temporarily perform, teach, or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.

Contact Our P Visa Lawyers Today

Don’t go through the process of obtaining a P visa without a competent team of attorneys in your corner. Contact the skilled Fairfax County immigration lawyers here at Goel & Anderson for comprehensive representation, every step of the way.