P-1-Athletes & Entertainers
The P visas are available for Athletes and Entertainers. Our attorneys can help individuals and groups, including preparations and recommendations for the written consultation requirement.
The P-1 visa is available to aliens temporarily coming to the U.S. 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.
In addition, P-1 classification also applies to an alien coming temporarily to perform as a member of a foreign-based entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time. This person also must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least one year) and/or provide functions integral to the group’s performance.
The P-2 classification applies to an alien coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the U.S. and an organization in another country.
The P-3 classification applies to aliens coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.
Accompanying Support Personnel may also receive visas under P-1, P-2 or P-3 when they are highly skilled aliens temporarily coming as an “essential and integral” part of the competition or performance. Also, “Essential” support personnel must perform support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential.