Artists and
athletes are an essential portion of
healthy cultural exchange. The global
community benefits greatly from the work
of each country's greatest thinkers and
performers. P-1 visas are issued to
entertainers, circus artists, and
athletes who wish to work in the U.S.
Outstanding athletes may apply for this
visa in order to compete in the U.S.,
either as individuals or as members of
an internationally recognized athletic
team.
Entertainment groups with an outstanding
international reputation can be granted
P-1 classification as a unit; however
individual entertainers within these
groups cannot apply for separate visas.
Your spouse and unmarried children under
the age of 21 are permitted to accompany
you to the United States, under a P-4
status. P-4 visa holders are not allowed
to work, but may attend schools or
colleges. Servants of a P-1 visa holder
may receive a B-1 visa with work
authorization.
Steps
Your employer must forward all necessary
documents along with Form I-129 to the
INS branch with jurisdiction over the
area where you plan to perform. A U.S.
agent may also file a petition for
workers who are self-employed, use
agents to book short-term engagements
with many different employers or in
situations where foreign employer(s)
authorize the use of an agent to act on
their behalf.
This agent may be the employer of the
performer, a representative of the
employer or a person authorized to act
on behalf of the employer.
Documents
For the P-1 Visa, you must provide the
following documents:
A filled-in visa application
Form OF-156. Separate applications
for each person are compulsory.
One recent photograph 1 & 1/2
inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each
applicant, with the entire face
visible. The picture should be taken
before a light background and
without head covering.
A passport, valid for travel to
the United States for at least six
months longer than your intended
visit.
Proof that you are recognized in
your field. This may include awards,
citations and certificates.
Athletes and entertainment
groups may be asked to provide
further documentation.
