P Visa –Performer Visas:  Performing groups, athletes, and culturally unique performers, teachers, and coaches

P-1 Visa classification is available to entertainment groups, individual athletes, and athletic teams. Specifically, they must meet the basic standard of international recognition – meaning “a high level of achievement in the field evidence 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.” 8 CFR §214.2(p)(4)(iii)(B) lays out the required evidence necessary to be accompanied with the application. For the most part, the P-1 classification has a 75% rule – meaning only 75% of group members must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group for at least a year (exceptions may apply).

P-2 Visa classification is reserved for artists and entertainers who perform individually or as part of a group, pursuant to a reciprocal exchange program between one or more U.S. organizations and one or more such organization in another country that provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers. Despite their potential, the only active P-2 programs at the moment may be those established and operated by Actors Equity (with its British and Canadian counterparts) and the American Federation of Musicians (AFM) (with its Canadian counterpart).

P-3 Visa classification is accorded to culturally unique artists and entertainers, individually or as a group, coming to the United States to develop, interpret, represent, coach or teach their particular art or discipline. According to the Federal Regulations, culturally unique means a “style of artistic expression, methodology, or medium which is unique to a particular country, nation, society, class, ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other groups of persons”. Expert affidavits, testimonials, and a written advisory opinion, along with additional supporting documents must be included in the petition.

All P categories allow for “essential support personnel” (they are not performing). These individuals are highly skilled and are integral to the performance of the P alien because the alien performs support services that cannot readily be performed by a U.S. worker and that are essential to the success of the performance. Note: the separate petition is required, either in conjunction with the P visa petition or subsequently after.

Admission in all P categories is limited to a specific competition, event, or performance – defined as an activity such as an athletic competition or season, tournament, tour, exhibit, project, entertainment event, or engagement. Also, premium processing is available, for those needing an expedited response from USCIS.