Choosing the correct visa to apply for is one of the most important parts of making any journey to the United States. There are many different visas, and while a visitor might qualify for several different kinds at any given time, choosing the appropriate visa simplifies the process.
One U.S. visa especially for performers is the P-2 visa. It is appropriate for:
- Artists
- Musicians
- Actors
- Other performers
Understanding the P-2 Visa for Reciprocal Exchange
The P-2 visa is available only to performers who are visiting the U.S. temporarily, either alone or as part of a group, under a reciprocal exchange program. That is, an artistic or entertainment program conducted by an organization in the U.S. in partnership with a foreign organization, where the performers from each country go to the other for a short period of time.
Eligibility consists of three parts:
- A sponsoring U.S. organization or your U.S. employer must file Form I-129;
- The government must approve the form in advance of the planned program;
- The visiting performers must have skills comparable to the U.S. performers.
Achieving a P-2 visa can be complex, because it requires the sponsoring organization to submit a great deal of information to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This includes a detailed itinerary of the performances or events that you will participate in, if multiple locations will be used.
Once Form I-129 is approved, the foreign visitor(s) must still make an official visa petition at a U.S. embassy or consulate. When the visa itself is approved, the holder may travel freely throughout the country; his or her family members may qualify for a special P-4 visa.
What Rights Does the P-2 Visa Confer?
The P-2 visa allows you to remain in the United States for the time it takes you to complete an event, performance or competition. There are numerous restrictions: For example, you generally cannot accept any form of outside employment or use public funds.
The initial P-2 visa can be valid for up to one year. Note, however, that applications are more likely to achieve approval for shorter visits. In the rare circumstance that a qualifying event lasts for longer than one year, the P-2 visa may be extended.
Kate L. Raynor is the Trusted P-2 Visa Lawyer in Los Angeles
Leading a respected law firm near Hollywood, Kate L. Raynor, Esq., is a P-2 visa expert who has successfully brought world-class celebrities to the United States. Smooth your path to a P-2 visa by contacting Raynor & Associates for a free consultation today.