Non-Immigrant Visas

Athletes, Artists and Entertainers

P- 1 Visa: The P- 1 visa classification provides for admission into the United States of certain athletes, entertainers and artists, and essential support personnel. Individual members of the entertainment industry are not eligible for the P-1 visa classification, but individual athletes are. For members of the entertainment industry, the visa will be issued for a specific event only. However, individual athletes may be admitted for five years and a team for a period of six months.

P-2 Visa: The P-2 visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, involved in a reciprocal exchange program between an organization or organizations in the United States and one or more foreign countries which provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.

P-3 Visa: The P-3 visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique.

O Visa: The O visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business and athletics, or extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production, and their essential support personnel.

Only individuals qualify for the O-1 visa category. In order for a group to qualify, each member would be required to meet the extraordinary ability test. The visa is granted for a specific event, such as a tour, lecture series or project.

O-2 Visa: For athletes and members of the entertainment industry, a provision exists whereby aliens, who are an integral part of the performance and have skills and experience which are not available in the United States location, may apply for O-2 visas to accompany the O-1 visa holder.

Do you qualify for the O or P visa?

What next?

Before the Embassy can process your application for an O or P visa, the employment must be approved by the office of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States on the basis of a petition, form I-129, filed by the United States sponsor. Your sponsor should contact the INS for further information. In the case of an alien who is traditionally self-employed or who uses agents to arrange short-term employment with numerous employers, an agent may file the petition with the INS. An agent may also file a petition on behalf of a foreign employer.

It is the responsibility of the INS to determine whether the alien qualifies for O or P visa classification. Any questions concerning eligibility should be addressed to the appropriate INS office.