To encourage diversity within the sector of entertainment, performances and sport, the US government has introduced a P-type Visa. This type of visa was designed to urge entertainment groups, performers, cultural coaches or athletes to come into the US to participate in an event.
Features of P1 Visa
As mentioned before P1 visa is issued for recognized (globally) entertainment groups, performers, cultural coaches or athletes. Most commonly P1 Visa is granted to athletes who travel to the US with their team and coach to participate in an athletic event (in most cases to represent their country).
However, this visa also applies to entertainers who take part in entertainment events, such as circus, concerts or comedy shows. Hence, to ease the application process – visa was divided into two groups:
- P1 A Visa (for athletes or athletic teams)
- P1 B Visa (for entertainment individual/group)
The important condition when it comes to this type of visa is that the athlete or entertainment group that is applying for the visa has two or more group members. When it comes to single artists such as solo singers, supporting musicians qualify as a group.
Another condition is that the group must have been created at least a year ago so they can prove their recognition. All personnel that are necessary for performance can also apply for a P1 visa as a ‘support group’.
What does P1 Visa Allow
The P1 visa permits its holders to do many things, not only they can participate in athletic seasons, entertainments programs/events, music tours, and sports tournaments but also in the following projects:
- enrol for part-time studies whilst performing in the US
- can work for multiple employers during the stay
- may be eligible for a green card (although it’s difficult, it is possible to do so if the following apply: performer marries in the US, the performer has a family in the US, an athlete has extraordinary abilities, or changes their status to H-1B visa)
- can bring dependents into the US (the only condition is that they have to apply for the visa at the same time as the applicant. This only applies to spouse and children of visa holders).
- support performer as a staff member can also apply for a P1 visa
Note: that this visa is designed for a group, P1 is never granted to individuals alone, they must be a part of a team and perform as part of a team as well.
P1 Visa Eligibility
With the two P1 visa types, different rules apply for eligibility. For those individuals that apply for P1 A Visa (designed for athletes and their teams) following conditions must be achieved:
- An athlete must be recognized for their high achievements
- An athlete must be nationally or internationally ranked a high position in their sports discipline and participated in a competition or event at the national or international level
- An athlete must have been awarded a national or international award in their discipline in the past
For a P1 B visa (designed for entertainers and entertainment groups) following conditions must be achieved:
- Entertainer or entertainment group is known for their success (records, video sales, ranking, ratings)
- Group has articles written about them in trade journals or very known newspapers and magazines
Note: recognition label does not apply to all entertainers, for instance, circus performers do not need international recognition to be eligible for a P1 visa. The eligibility then depends on how long they are a part of a group, and this must be a minimum of a year. International recognition can also be waived if groups/bands recognition is high at a national level
Application Process for P1 Visa
Similar patterns apply for both P1A and P1B visas during the application stage. The first essential step when applying is to make sure that they are sponsored by a US employer or organization to travel for an event or competition. Hence, US sponsors must first be approved by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS).
- Filing out the petition by the sponsor or US employer (known as I-129 form). This needs to be done for permission to be granted so athletes or performers can apply for a P1 visa. A petition must be filled out at least 6 months before the scheduled event. The petition fee is $695 (this came into force in October 2020). If a US sponsor is petitioning for a group then a group petition may be filed and one fee is then applicable.
- US Sponsor or Employer must provide supporting documents. For P1A visa applicants (athletes) following documents need to be provided: evidence of consultation with a labour organization, plan of all events/performances during the stay with dates and duration time, contracts between US sport’s leagues/team and the applicant, and a proof that the individual or team is internationally recognized. For the P1B visa, documents filed must include consultation with a labour organization, contracts of the group and sponsor (agreements). Plan of the whole stay, including date and duration of events, evidence of groups age, and recognition.
The whole petition process can last 2-8 weeks, once a petition is approved USCIS will send a confirmation letter and the US sponsor will send an I-797 notice of action form. Once athletes/entertainers/performers receive the form and approval letter, they may start the US consulate/embassy application process in their home country.
- Applicants must fill out the DS-160 form (found online). This form is no different from other visa forms and will ask about personal information, background and purpose of visit. Once the form is completed, a confirmation page will appear with a code that is essential for the interview stage.
- A Visa fee must be paid. The fee for P1 Visa is $190. Payment is essential so applicants can proceed with the next step of the application – receipts must be kept and attached to all the document files. Issuance fee may be also applied depending on the country of residence.
- Schedule an interview. Interviews must be scheduled if applicants are between the ages of 14-79. When the interview is scheduled, a confirmation letter (that needs to be brought on the day of the interview) will be sent.
- Prepare the whole document file. Along with standard documents, additional documents include: approved I-797 form, a letter from employer/sponsor outlining the whole plan for the trip, contract with sponsor/employer if dependents are brought with the individual – a marriage certificate or birth certificate of the applicant’s child is required. And a US visa photo.
- The last stage – attend the interview.
P1 Visa Processing Time & Validity
The processing time for a P1 visa is 3-6 months. Although it is a long wait, US institutions offer to pay for premium processing services. For an additional $1,225 a response is available within 15 days of applying.
In contrast, P1 Visa validity depends on the purpose of the trip. For an athlete, a visa may be issued for 5 years. Whilst employer/sponsor may be able to file for an extension that will extend the stay for the next 5 years. On the other hand, for a team of athletes visa validity is one year. An extension is also possible for an additional year. In regards to entertainers and entertainment groups, a visa is issued for a period of a maximum of one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
Other types of P Visas – P2 & P3 Visa
Lastly, there are also special types of P visas that are intended for the additional purpose of P1 travellers. These are the following:
- P2 visa – intended for entertainers and artists who are travelling under a reciprocal exchange program
- P3 visa- intended for representers, coachers/trainer of the P1 visa applicant.
US visa photo
A visa photo needs to follow special requirements:
- a photo must measure 51×51 mm (2×2 inches)
- be in colour
- have white background
- be printed on high-quality paper
- must be recent – taken in last 6 months
In regards to the applicant, the candidate must:
- face forward
- keep eyes open mouth closed
- smiling & frowning is not permitted
- headwear is forbidden unless an exemption applies (medical condition or religious belief)
- daily wear is recommended (uniforms are not allowed)
Lastly, where to take a visa photo?
- photo booths located in supermarkets, shopping centres, or post offices
- using photography services
- using specialized apps
