P-3 Visa
(Non-immigrant visa for athletes and entertainers)

This page describes all about P-3 visa (classification of P visa), issued to artists and entertainers under culturally unique programs

Definition of P-3 Visa for Artists or Entertainers:

P Visas are non-immigrant visas (temporary visas) which allow 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.

Of the different visa classification, P-3 visa category is a nonimmigrant visa issued to the foreign nationals who wish to enter into the U.S. to participate, individually or as part of a group, in a program that is culturally unique. P-3 visa holders are also permitted to enter the United States to teach or coach others in their particular discipline.

On P-3 work visa, you are permitted to stay in the United States for a time period necessary to complete the performance or event for which you were admitted, and it may not exceed one year. Also, the p-3 visa holders are allowed to renew the p-3 status without leaving the country. Extension of stay is allowed in increments of 1 year for P-3 aliens participating in culturally unique programs, and their essential support personnel, to continue or complete the same event or activity for which they were admitted.

In order to qualify for P3 visa, the applicant must prove that

• he/she is coming to the U.S. to develop, promote or facilitate a culturally unique art form;
• he/she perform essential support services for a P3 artist or entertainer;
• he/she possess skills, knowledge and experience in providing support services to artists and entertainers;
• he/she is sponsored by a cultural, educational, or governmental organization;
• he/she has achieved national or international recognition or approval in the culturally unique program that he/she shall perform.

Benefits of P-3 Work Visa:

On P-3 visa,

• you are permitted to enter the U.S. and perform for payment or prize money;
• there is no travel restriction; i.e. you can freely travel in and out of the U.S.
• you are allowed to engage in part time study;
• you are eligible to apply for visas for support personnel;
• the spouse and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of P-3 visa holder are permitted to enter into the United States under a P-4 status.

Limitations of P3 Status:

• The P-3 visa holder is permitted to work only for the employer who sponsored you. If he/she wants to change jobs, he/she must obtain a new visa.
• The dependants of P-3 visa are not allowed to work during their stay in the U.S.
• P-3 visa petitions will not be approved until the appropriate labor organization is consulted by the USCIS.

Filing the P3 Petition:

The first step to qualify for P3 visa is to file a petition (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition must be filed by a U.S. employer or agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent. At the time of filing the petition, the petitioner must submit certain supporting documentation with the USCIS. If the petition is approved, the petitioner is mailed with a notification of approval. As the petitioner gets notification of approval, he/she may apply for the P-3 visa. Do you want know to which form should be filed? Please contact us! We can help you in your immigration needs.

Required Documents for Filing P3 Visa Petition:

• A completed and signed visa application form;
• a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization;
• a valid passport;
• copies of proof describing your experience and skills;
• a copy of any written contract between the employer and the alien;
• evidences that all of the performance or presentation of aliens will be culturally unique; and
• documentation revealing the schedule of events describing terms and conditions of performance including the date of performance, duration of contract and pay.

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