P Nonimmigrant Visas for Athletes, Artists and Entertainers
Q: There are P-1, P-2, P-3 and P-4 nonimmigrant visas - what is each one for?
A: Each of these visas has its own unique features, although all require that the foreign national be entering only temporarily, and solely for the purpose which the visa allows.
The P-1 nonimmigrant visa is either for individual or group [team] athletes or group entertainers who meet certain criteria.
For athletes, this means having achieved an internationally recognized level of performance.
For entertainers, they must be an integral or essential part of an entertainment group which has been internationally recognized for being outstanding in its discipline (pop music, Shakespearian theatrical performance or folk dance to name a few examples) and the entertainer must have been a part of the group for at least a year. There are certain other specific requirements for the groups of which entertainers are a part, dealing among other things with the length of time that the group has been together.
The P-2 nonimmigrant visa is for an artist or entertainer (individually or part of a group), as part of a reciprocal exchange program. This feature - that an arrangement exists between the sponsoring organization and an organization in the foreign national's home country for the exchange of artists or entertainers between the two countries - is the key distinguishing feature of the P-2.
The P-3 nonimmigrant visa allows an artist or entertainer, whether as an individual or as a part of a group, to enter to perform, teach or coach a program which is culturally unique. While the artist or entertainer need not be part of a group as with the P-1 or part of a reciprocal exchange program as with the P-2, but the requirement that the performance be culturally unique presents a difficult bar for many performers. Folk performers are well suited to the P-3 visa, although the P-3 is not intended exclusively for this type of artist or entertainer.
P-4 visas are simply the derivative nonimmigrant visas for spouses and children accompanying P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders.
Q: Can I apply for permanent residence while on a P visa?
A: Technically, no - the P nonimmigrant visa is not a "dual intent" visa like the H-1B or L-1, and the P visa holder must maintain an overseas residence which he or she does not intend to abandon while here.
Contact us here to arrange a consultation, to inquire about retaining us to handle your immigration matter, or simply to suggest topics you would like to see covered on our site.
The above is presented for informational purposes only, and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. The information provided should not be used as guidance in pursuing an immigration matter absent consultation with a qualified immigration attorney.