If you are a group or individual that showcases unique performances this visa is ideal for your needs. The P3 requires a sponsorship from a US entity and proof that your cultural program is unique. This proof can be in the form of affidavits and testimonials from experts in your field. Learn more about P3 Visa Assistance.
P3 Visa Eligibility
P3 visas are available to individuals and entertainment groups who wish to travel to the United States temporarily to perform, teach, or coach as part of a culturally unique program. The programs must showcase traditional, folk, ethnic, cultural, musical, or theatrical events.
An individual or group seeking a P3 visa must have an employer or sponsoring organization file a petition on their behalf. The petitioner can be a US-based employer or an agent authorized to act as the petitioner on behalf of a foreign employer.
The petition must include a written consultation from an organization or peer group that has expertise in the applicant’s field of work. It must also include an itinerary of the performances or presentations, as well as documentation that each event will be culturally unique. Family members of P3 visa holders may travel with them to the United States on a P-4 visa, but they cannot engage in employment while there.
P3 Visa Requirements
P3 visas are available to individual artists and entertainers who, either individually or as part of a group, will perform in the United States under programs that are culturally unique. These programs may be commercial or noncommercial, but they must promote the understanding and development of the artists’s traditional art forms.
A sponsor, either a US-based entity or an organization that is inviting the artists or entertainers to perform in their program, must file Form I-129 on their behalf and provide documentation of the nature of the performances or programs. This includes proof that the performances or programs are of a culturally unique, traditional, artistic nature and will promote the understanding and development of the performers’s art forms.
Support personnel such as coaches and scouts are eligible for P-3 visa classification as well, provided that they can demonstrate that they will play an essential role in the performance. The visas are valid for one year and can be extended once the sponsor files a new Form I-129.
P3 Visa Consultation Letter
Artists and entertainers may apply for a P-3 visa individually or as a group, as well as their essential support personnel. This non-immigrant work visa allows them to travel to the US temporarily to perform in a culturally unique program.
Unlike other types of visas, P visa holders cannot seek adjustment of status within the United States, and must return to their home country after the conclusion of their performance engagement. Applicants should consult with a business immigration attorney to assess whether the P3 visa is an appropriate option for their individual needs.
In addition to the requisite Form I-129 petition, a consultation letter from an appropriate labor organization is required for this type of visa classification. Additionally, affidavits or testimonials from experts in the field attesting to your authenticity and skills are also necessary to support your application. USCIS recently announced that they would accept copies of negative consultation letters from labor unions directly instead of requiring the original from the petitioner.
P3 Visa Consultation Fee
The P3 visa allows artists and performers to legally enter the United States in order to perform a particular project, tour, class, or activity. The cost of the visa varies depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances and whether they need premium processing or not. The base filing fee is $460, and there may be additional fees for services like biometric collection or visa issuance.
In addition to the form fees, there are other costs associated with applying for a visa like translation fees, medical examinations, and attorney services. Applicants should consider these expenses when planning their budget. The best way to save on P3 visa costs is to plan ahead and start the application process as early as possible. This will help them avoid rush fees and other costly complications. Applicants should also consider alternative visa options if they are concerned about the cost of P3 visas.
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