Overview of P Visa for Artists, Entertainers and Athletes

P visas consist of four sub-categories, P-1, P-2, P-3, and P-4.

P-1 visa is issued to alien athletes who come the U.S. to participate in specific athletic competition individually, or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level or performance (P-1A); or to alien entertainers/performers who performs with, or is an integral or essential part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time (P-1B), and the performers has had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (for at least one year) and provide functions integral to the performance of the group.

P-2 visa is issued to artist and entertainers who will participate in a reciprocal exchange program between overseas and the U.S. organizations which provide for the temporary exchange of artists, entertainers or groups. They come to the U.S. to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, or as an integral part of the performance of such a group.

P-3 visa is issued to alien artists and entertainers who will come to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach under a commercial or noncommercial program that is culturally unique. They can come individually or as part of a group, or as an integral part of the performance of the group.

P-4 visa is issued to family members (spouse/children) of the P-1, P-2 and P-3 principals. They can accompany or follow to join the principals with P-1 visa. They cannot work without authorization.

Length of Stay and Extension

P-1 individual athlete may be granted a period of five years, and an extension of another five years, up to a total of ten years. For other P-1 aliens, athletic team, or entertainment group, the period of stay is limited to the time necessary to complete the performance or event, but not to exceed one year. Extension of stay can be authorized in increments of 1 year in order for them to continue to complete the same event.

P-2 and P-3 artists and entertainers are granted for a period of time necessary for them to complete the event, activity, or performance, but not to exceed one year. Extension of 1 year can be applied annually.