Athletes/Entertainers (P1)

Overview

The “P” visa applies to individual or team athletes coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition at an internationally recognized level of performance. It also applies to member(s) of a foreign-based entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

Period of Stay

An individual athlete is granted a minimum of five (5) years and a maximum of ten-year stay. Group athletes and entertainers, on the other hand, are allowed to stay for just one (1) year.

Eligibility Requirements

* The purpose of their trip to the United States should be to perform at a specific athletic competition or in production events;
* There should be a contract signifying participation in international competition or major production;
* The applicant should be a member of a recognized and reputable foreign-based athletic or entertainment group for at least one (1) year;
* The member or group should have received numerous significant recognitions or awards in the past.

Premium Processing

The BCIS offers an expedited 14-day service for an additional fee of $1,000.00. Regular processing currently takes about 12-14 weeks. The advantage of Premium Processing is speed. The disadvantage is that in order to expedite a case within the 14-day deadline, the BCIS does not have adequate time to request additional information to clarify any ambiguities in the petition. Therefore a denial is far more frequent in Premium Processing cases than with Regular Processing. We will provide you with a legal opinion as to the merits of Premium Processing in your particular case.

Family Members

With the exception of "Q-1 Cultural Exchange Visitors," the spouse and unmarried, minor children of an applicant under any of the above classifications may also be classified as nonimmigrants in order to accompany or join the principal applicant. A person who has received a visa as the spouse or child of a temporary worker may not accept employment in the United States. The principal applicant must be able to show that he or she will be able to support his or her family in the United States.