P-1/P-2/P-3 Extraordinary Ability Visa

Qualification Criteria for a P-1 Visa

P-1 visas are available to athletes or athletic teams that have been internationally recognized as outstanding for a long and continuous period of time. Entertainment companies that have been nationally recognized as outstanding for a long time also qualify. P-1 visas can be issued based on the expertise of a group.

In the case of an entertainment company, each performer who wishes to qualify for a P-1 visa must have been an integral part of the group for at least one year, although up to 25% of them can be excused from this one-year requirement, if need be. This requirement may also be waived in exceptional situations, where due to illness or other unanticipated circumstances, a critical performer is unable to travel.

The one-year requirement is for performers only. It does not apply to support personnel. It also does not apply to anyone at all who works for a circus, including performers.

Definition of an “Athlete”

To qualify as a P-1 athlete, the person or team must have an internationally recognized reputation in the sport. Applicants will need to demonstrate this to the immigration authorities by showing a contract with a major U.S. sports league, team, or international sporting event, and at least two of the following:

proof of the applicant's or team’s previous significant participation with a major U.S. sports league

proof of participation in an international competition with a national team

proof of previous significant participation with a U.S. college in intercollegiate competition

a written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or the governing body of the sport, explaining exactly how the person or team is internationally recognized

a written statement from the sports media or a recognized expert regarding the person's or team's international recognition

evidence that the person or team is internationally ranked, or

proof that the person or team has received a significant honor or award in the sport.

Definition of an “Entertainer”

P-1 visas are not available to individual entertainers, but only to members of groups that have an international reputation. The group must have been performing regularly for at least one year, and 75% of its members must have been performing with that group for at least a year.

When the U.S. employer files a petition on the applicant's behalf with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the employer will have to supply proof of the group’s sustained international recognition, as shown by either its nomination for, or receipt of, significant international awards or prizes, or at least three of the following:

proof that the group has or will star or take a leading role in productions or events with distinguished reputations

reviews or other published material showing that the group has achieved international recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievement in the field

proof that the group has and will star or take a leading role in productions or events for organizations with distinguished reputations

proof of large box office receipts or ratings showing the group has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes

proof that the group has received significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts, or

proof that the group commands a high salary or other substantial remuneration.

P-2 Visas: Participants in Reciprocal Exchange Programs

P-2 visas are available to artists or entertainers, either individually or as part of a group, who come to the U.S. to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between the U.S. and one or more other countries. All essential support personnel are included. The applicant will need to prove the legitimacy of the program by presenting a formal, written exchange agreement. In addition, a labor union in the U.S. must have either been involved in the negotiation of the exchange or have agreed to it.

The U.S. individual or group being exchanged must have skills and terms of employment comparable to the person or group coming to the United States.

P-3 Visas: Culturally Unique Groups

P-3 visas are available to artists or entertainers who come to the U.S., either individually or as part of a group, to develop, interpret, represent, teach, or coach in a program that is considered culturally unique. The program may be of either a commercial or noncommercial nature.

The P-3 applicant must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a cultural event or events that will further the understanding or development of an art form. In addition, the employer will have to submit on the applicant's behalf:

statements from recognized experts showing the authenticity of the person or group’s skills in performing, presenting, coaching, or teaching the unique or traditional art form and showing the basis of knowledge of the person or group’s skill, or

evidence that the person or group’s art form is culturally unique, as shown by reviews in newspapers, journals, or other published materials, and that the performance will be culturally unique.

Essential support personnel of P‑3 aliens should also request classification under the P-3 category. The documentation for P-3 support personnel should include:

a consultation from a labor organization with expertise in the area of the applicant’s skill

a statement describing why the support person has been essential in the past, critical skills, and experience with the principal applicant, and

a copy of the written contract or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement between the applicant and the employer.

NOTE: P visa holders can apply for their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 to obtain P4 family visas. The P4 family visa holders may not engage in employment, but may attend school or college in the US.

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