P Visas for Athletes, Artists, Entertainers and their Essential Staff

Short-term visas are available for certain people doing specialized work, including the P visa for athletes, entertainers, artists, and their essential staff. Applicants for these visas face high standards, but our business immigration attorneys in Atlanta understand the logistics and legal work that needed to navigate this complex process.

Who qualifies for a P Visa and how many different types are there?

Our immigration lawyers can analyze your credentials to see if you meet the requisite standard. The P Visa is broken down into multiple categories, which have their own requirements.

• • P-1A Internationally Recognized Athlete
    An individual can come to the United States with a P-1A Visa to temporarily perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as a member of a team, if they have an internationally recognized level of performance and a high level of achievement in their field.
  • P-1B Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
    If you are a member of an entertainment group who wishes to temporarily perform in the U.S., you may be eligible for a P-1B Visa if your performance is recognized internationally.
  • P-2 Individual Performer or Part of a Group Entering to Perform Under a Reciprocal Exchange Program
    If you are a member of an entertainment group who wishes to temporarily perform in the U.S., you may be eligible for a P-1B Visa if your performance is recognized internationally.
  • P-3 Artist or Entertainer Coming to Be Part of a Culturally Unique Program
    Individuals or members of a group may be eligible for a P-3 Visa to temporarily perform, coach, or teach as artists or entertainers if they are part of a program which is culturally unique. Your participation must further the understanding or development of the art form which is culturally unique.

Can my family come to the U.S. based on my P Visa?

Your family may join you in the United States based on your P Visa. The spouse and children under 21 of a P Visa holder can come to the U.S. through a P-4 Visa, but they will not be allowed to work based on this status.

Can my support staff or team members come to the U.S. based on my P Visa?

Your support staff or team members may be able to come to the United States based on your P Visa. Essential Support Personnel who are an integral part of the performance for a P visa holder and who can perform support services which cannot be readily done by a U.S. worker may also come to the U.S. on a P Visa. The intending employer or agent for multiple employers must file a separate application for each support staff member.

Can I sponsor myself for a P Visa?

You can not sponsor yourself for a P Visa. An intending employer or agent for multiple employers must sponsor you in order to obtain P Visa status.