Education is
paramount to the exchange of ideas and
beliefs between nations. The P-3 visa
offers art teachers the ability to share
their skills and talents with
individuals in the U.S. Under P-3
status, teachers can enter the U.S. and
train others in their particular
discipline.
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.
Steps
Your sponsor 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 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-3 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.
The following are also
required:
- Proof that all teaching
activities are not-for-profit.
- Proof of the exchange program,
provided by a labor organization.
- A schedule of all proposed
teaching programs, and details of
the agreement.
- Proof of the validity of the
artistic discipline, along with
details about the two organizations
involved in the exchange program.
- Proof that the you, the teacher
are recognized in your discipline.
This should include a letter from a
peer, along with evidence such as
articles by professionals in your
discipline.
- Proof that you are necessary to
the successful functioning of your
sponsoring organization.
