P-1 Visa
(Non-immigrant visa for athletes and entertainers)
This page describes all about P-1 visa, a temporary visa applicable to
foreign nationals entering the United States to perform at a specific
competition or event, individually or as part of a group or team
Definition of
P-1 Visa:
P visas are a special category of visas for athletes and group
entertainers. They are classified 
as P-1 visa,
P-2 visa, P-3 visa, and
P-4 visa. P-1 visa is a
non-immigrant visa which permits foreign nationals who are athletes,
internationally recognized artists and entertainers to enter into the U.S. to
perform at a specific competition, event or performance.
This U.S. immigration visa for athletes/entertainers/musicians may be issued to
an individual or to a team/group. P-1 visa holders are permitted to stay in the
U.S. for a period of up to five years with an extension not to exceed additional
five years.
P-1 Visa Requirements:
The following requirements must be fulfilled in order to qualify
for P1 visa.
The applicant must be a recognized athletes or
entertainers to participate in an event of international standing.
The applicant must provide evidence of legal contracts
with a major U.S. sports league, or organization. In addition, the P-1 visa
petitioner must submit the proof of at least of the two following-
participation in U.S. major sports league in prior
seasons;
participation in international competitions with a
national team;
written statement from the sports media or a recognized
expert;
significant participation in a prior US major league
season.
Applying for P1 Visa:
In order to apply for, the P1 visa petition must be properly
documented with supporting evidence proving that all legal requirements are met.
As a first step to apply for visa, the petitioner must obtain a written advisory
opinion from an appropriate labor organization regarding the nature of the work
to be done or a statement proving that the group has been established and
performing regularly for a period of at least one year. After that a U.S.
employer, U.S. agent, U.S. sponsor or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent
must file a petition (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Work Visa) with the USCIS.
Benefits of the P1 Work Visa:
On P4 visa, the spouse and unmarried children (below 21
years) of P1 visa holder are also permitted to remain in the United States.
They can remain in the U.S. as long as the P1 visa holder maintains his/her P1
status. Also they are permitted to engage in full time study on P-4 visa.
There are no travel restrictions on P-1 visa. To be more
precise, the P-1 visa holders are allowed to freely travel in and out of the
United States.
The P-1 visa holder is permitted to engage in part time
study.
The visa holder may apply for visas for accompanying
essential support personnel.
The P-1 visa holder is permitted to apply for
adjustment
of status and lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the U.S.
Limitations of P1 Entertainment Visa:
P-1 visa applications will be approved only when the
appropriate U.S. sports league or organization is consulted by the USCIS.
The dependants of P-1 visa are not permitted to work
during their stay in the U.S. If the dependants wish to work in the U.S., they
have to apply for work visa.
Are you an athlete, entertainer or a musician wishing to visit
the United States? If so, please contact us! We can help you in preparing your
petition for a nonimmigrant work visa. At immspec.com, we have
an excellent team of professionals to assist you in preparing forms. For any
queries regarding P1 entertainment visa, please call us at (918) 258-6092 or
e-mail us at info@immspec.com.
