P-2 Visa for Artists and Entertainers
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for a P-2 Visa, the applicant must be coming to the United States to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country.
How to Apply
The petition must be filed with the USCIS Regional Service Center having jurisdiction over the area, in which the foreign national will work. The petition may be filed by a sponsoring organization in the United States, a U.S. employer, or an agent. It must be filed with the following documentation:
- A written consultation from an appropriate labor organization that verifies the existence of a viable exchange program;
- A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement between the U.S. organization sponsoring the foreign national or group and the organization in the foreign country which will receive the U.S. artists or entertainers;
- A statement from the sponsoring organization describing the reciprocal exchange program, including the name of the receiving organization abroad, names and occupations of U.S. artist or entertainers being sent abroad, length of their stay, activities in which will be engaged, and the terms and conditions of their employment; and
- Evidence that the foreign national or group and the U.S. artists or entertainers involved in the reciprocal program are experienced artists with comparable skills, and that the terms and conditions of employment are similar. Tendered contracts. proposed itineraries, and reciprocity agreements can be used to fulfill this requirement.
Duration of the Visa
The P-2 Visa may be valid for the period of time necessary to complete the event, activity, or performance, however, it may not initially exceed one year. Thereafter, the USCIS may authorize extension of stay in increments of one year to complete the same event to activity for which the foreign national was admitted.
Status of Spouse and Minor Children
A spouse and unmarried minor children are eligible for P-4 Visas, and are entitled to the same period of admission and limitations as the principal foreign national. The spouse and unmarried minor children may not accept employment on a P-4 visa.