P-1, P-2, P-3 Athletes and Entertainers Visas

Overview

The P visa category covers internationally recognized athletes and entertainers and their support personnel. P-1A is for individual or team athletes at internationally recognized levels; P- 1B is for members of internationally recognized entertainment groups; P-2 covers artists/entertainers in reciprocal exchange programs; P-3 is for culturally unique artists or entertainers.

Eligibility Requirements

P-1A: internationally recognized athletes (individual or team) competing at distinguished events. P-1B: entertainment group with sustained international recognition (75% of group must have been with group at least one year; some exceptions). P-2: artist/entertainer in reciprocal exchange between U.S. and foreign organization. P-3: artist/entertainer in culturally unique program.

Application Process

Petition filed by employer, sponsoring organization, or U.S. agent. Requires advisory opinion from appropriate labor organization. Itinerary of performances/competitions required for tours.

Required Documentation

Required: advisory opinion; contracts/itinerary; evidence of international recognition (P-1) or program documentation (P-2/P-3); for groups, member tenure documentation.

Government Filing Fees

I-129 fee; Fraud Prevention Fee $500; Asylum Program Fee.

Processing Timeline

P-1 athlete: up to 5 years initial, extendable to 10 years; P-1 group: up to 1 year, extendable in 1-year increments; P-2/P-3: up to 1 year initially.

Why Choose Our Firm

We represent professional sports teams, athletic management groups, music artists, dance ensembles, theater companies, and cultural exchange organizations.