Athletes and Entertainers: General Qualifications for P Visas - What Must Be Demonstrated
- P-1 Visa Classification
- P-1 Documentary Requirements for Athletes
- P-1 Documentary Requirements for Entertainment Groups
- P-2 Visa Classification
- P-3 Visa Classification
P-1 Visa Classification
The P-1 visa classification is available for both athlete and group entertainers. A person who performs as an athlete, either individually or as part of a group or team, that is internationally recognized is given P-1A classification. A person who performs with or is an integral or essential part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the industry for a sustained and substantial period of time over a period of one year is given P-1B classification.
An entertainment group or athletic team can be as few as two individuals.
The one year and international recognition requirement may be waived for certain performers and entertainers. Circus personnel performing for a circus are commonly exempt from these requirements.
P-1 Documentary Requirements for Athletes
The P-1 petition must contain evidence that the athlete or team are internationally recognized, the athletic competition has a distinguish reputation and the competition must require participation of an athlete or team with international reputation. The petition must include a copy of the contract with the major U.S. sport league.
The petition must also contain evidence of any two of the following criteria:
- Significant participation in a prior season in major league
- International competition with national team
- Significant participation in a prior season for U.S. college or university or intercollegiate competition
- Written statement from an U.S. official in the sport about the person or team’s international recognition
- Written statement from expert or sport’s media regarding international recognition
- Team or individual ranking in the sport
- Significant honor or award bestowed in the sport
P-1 Documentary Requirements for Entertainment Groups
The P-1 petition must contain evidence that the group is internationally recognized for a sustained and substantial period of time, the group has been performing together for at least one year, list of members and dates employed, 75% of the group members have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group for one year and the group has been nominated or has received significant international awards.
If the group has not been nominated nor has received significant international awards, the petition must contain evidence of any three of the following criteria:
- Star or lead in performance that has a distinguished reputation
- Reviews in major publications
- Star or lead in performance for organization that has a distinguished reputation
- Major commercial or critically acclaimed success
- Testimonials regarding the group’s significant recognition
- Group will command or has commanded a high salary
P-2 Visa Classification
The P-2 visa classification is specifically for reciprocal exchange programs. The P-2 petition must include evidence the person is performing under a reciprocal exchange program, the exchange is between a U.S. organization and foreign organization, the exchange is temporary and the exchange is between similar caliber performers employed under similar conditions. The P-2 petition requires a copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement, statement from the U.S. sponsoring organization, and evidence the appropriate labor organization in the U.S. was involved in negotiating or concurs in the reciprocal exchange.
P-3 Visa Classification
The P-3 visa classification is reserved for culturally unique programs The P-3 petition requires documentation showing that performer (artist or entertainer), individually or as a group, is an integral part of the performance and is entering the U.S. temporarily to perform, develop, interpret, represent, teach or coach in a unique or traditionally ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical or artistic performance or presentation. The event must a commercial or noncommercial cultural event which will further understanding or development of the arts form.
Evidence must include:
- Testimonials or letters from recognized experts attesting to the applicant’s skill in performing, presenting, coaching or teaching the unique or traditional art form
- Documentation that the performance is culturally unique
- All performances in the U.S. will e culturally unique
