US Immigration Attorney Chris M. Ingram Discusses P1 Visas, P2 Visas and P3 Visas

P1- P3 Visas - If you're a professional or vocational working entertainment band with some strong press publicity then we want to hear from you today

The P visa  was created to provide opportunities for aliens primarily performing as a group and not individually to tour in the US.  The P visa, like it’s big brother, the O1 visa, was also created by the Immigration and Nationality Act of  1990.  In addition to covering performing and fine artists, the P1 also covers athletes.

It is important to make clear that the O1 visa (aliens of extraordinary ability) enables individuals to enter and work in their field of specialty, the P visa does not allow individuals to work unless they meet the criteria stated below.  This having been said P visa applicants do not have to have reached the pinnacle of their careers like O1 visa applicants, but P visa applicants do need to be nationally, or internationally known. For example, the group may have performed in other countries, or tour their own country and known to the community appreciating their artistic endeavors.

There are three main classes of the P visa.

P-1 Visa: Members of an entertainment group

P-2 Visa: Entertainers who are part of a reciprocal international exchange program

P-3 Visa: Aliens who are coming to perform in programs that are culturally unique

 Spouses and minor children of P visa holders will be issued a P-4 visa.

P1 P2 and P3 Visas - Lets us guide you through the qualification requirements, but don't leave it too late, these visas take a while to prepare and organize so contact us as early as possible

Sponsorship Requirements: P visa applicants are required to be represented or sponsored by a US organization or agent who might be coordinating the event or tour.  The role of the sponsor is to provide a detailed account of the nature of the event or tour and confirm the suitability of the applicants accordingly. Evidence will of course need to be submitted about the event(s) itself. Perhaps the event is an annual festival of some kind so there will be past publicity surrounding the event and it’s status within the community. At the same time we’ll be working with you to make sure that you submit sufficient information about your particular entertainment group so that we can establish the groups notoriety to meet the P visa requirements.

Requirements and Undertakings For P Visa Holders

P-1 thru P-3 visa applicants must be coming to the US for a temporary purpose such as a festival or to tour and so forth. If the band members want to settle in the US permanently, then we’d discuss additional and alternative visa options such as looking to see if each band member could qualify for their own O1 or EB1 visa. Therefore, while in the US on a P-1 visa they must retain a foreign home residence and sufficient evidence to show that they are maintaining their home ties.

Supporting Band Members

Many larger and well known bands may have supporting technicians for lighting, set up and tear down crews, managers and so forth that make the event possible.  These supporting members can also obtain P -1B visas to enable them to travel and perform their responsibilities.

All Forms of Artist Expression Welcome

It’s important not to leave you with the impression that the P-1 thru P-3 visa is just for bands and groups, but these visas also include all forms of artistic expression such as painting, dancing, teaching workshops and anything that could be considered as being culturally unique and enriching. 

US Immigration Attorney Chris M Ingram
P1 Visa, P2 Visa & P3 Visa Specialist
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US Immigration Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram
Chris M. Ingram LL.M., ESQ – Admitted in New York
Practice Specializing in US Immigration Law
Suite 300, 23822 Valencia Blvd,
Valencia, California 91355
Tel: 661 254 8064

Everyday the Law Offices of Chris M. Ingram provides a comprehensive range of US Immigration expertise. We also provide a free consultation for our prospective clients. 

General Location: Santa Clarita, Los Angeles, California, USA.
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