P-2 Visa
(Non-immigrant visa for athletes and entertainers)

This page describes all about P-2 Visa (athletes, artists and entertainment group visa), a temporary visa issued to artists and entertainers in exchange programs

Definition of P-2 Visa:

P Visas are non-immigrant visas permitting certain individuals (artists and entertainers) to enter into the United States temporarily. The P visa consists of four classifications: P-1 visa, P-2 visa, P-3 visa, and P-4 visa.

The P-2 visa classification is designated for artists or entertainers, either an individual or group, who wish to enter into the U.S. temporarily as a part of a reciprocal exchange program. There should be two organizations involved in this exchange program: an organization in the United States and one in abroad which provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.

P2 visa for artists or entertainers is valid for a time period required to complete the event, activity, or performance, but it should not exceed 1 year. On P-2 visa, the applicants are permitted to extend the period of stay in the United States. Extensions may be authorized in increments of one year for the performers to complete the event or activity for which the visa holder was admitted.

P-2 visa is ideal for

• artists entering the U.S. through a government recognized reciprocal exchange program;
• accompanying support personnel of P-2 visa holders.

In order to qualify for P-2 visa,

• the nature of reciprocal exchange agreement is very important.
• the P2 visa applicants must possess skills comparable to those of the US artists and entertainers taking part in the program outside the US.
• no fixed level of expertise is required.

Benefits of P-2 Work Visa:

• The spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of P-2 visa holder are permitted to enter into the United States under a P-4 status. Also, the dependents may engage in full time study on P-4 visa.
• P-2 visa holder is permitted to engage in part time study.
• There are no travel restrictions on P-2 visa.
• The dependants of P-2 visa holders are allowed to engage in full time study on P-4 visa.
• The P-2 visa holder may apply for adjustment of status and lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the U.S.

Limitation of P2 Artist Exchange Visa:

• The dependants of P-2 visa holders are not allowed to work during their stay in the U.S.

Applying for P-2 Non-immigrant Visa:

The first step to apply for the P2 visa is to file a petition (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Work Visa) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The non-immigrant visa petition must be filed by the sponsoring organization, a United States employer, or the US labor organization that negotiated the exchange agreement. Along with the form, the applicant must submit supporting documents that are required to qualify for P-2 visa.

Normally, it will take two to eight weeks to process the petition. If your petition is approved, the USCIS will forward it to the Embassy. Also, they will mail the petitioner a notification of approval. As the applicant gets notification of approval, he/she may obtain a P-2 visa from U.S. Embassy or Consulate to enter the U.S.

Document Requirements:

In addition to the general set of documents, you must provide the following documents to qualify for P2 visa-

• A written consultation from the sponsoring organization describing the exchange of US artists or entertainers.
• A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement between a US organization and an organization in abroad that will receive US artists or entertainers.
• Proof that all people involved in the program are artists or entertainers with talent.
• Evidence that an appropriate labor organization in the US was involved in negotiating, or has concurred with, the reciprocal exchange of US and foreign artists/ entertainers.

Immspec.com helps anyone who wishes to immigrate to and/or work in the USA. Please feel free to contact us, if you have any questions about P-2 visa. See Nationwide Immigration Services to know more about our form preparation services in your area.