How Can Athletes and Performers Enter the United States?

If you are an athlete or performer looking to enter the U.S. for an event, read on for more information.

P-1A and P-1B Visas

• The P-1A visa is available to internationally recognized athletes. This allows them to come to the country temporarily so that they may perform at a specific athletic competition at an internationally recognized performance level. Those who wish to obtain this visa must meet certain requirements. The applicant must:
  • Be coming to the country to participate in an individual event, competition, or performance that requires an internationally recognized athlete
  • Be internationally recognized, meaning they have a high level of achievement backed up with a skill that is above the ordinary and known in more than one country
• A P-1B Visa is available for a member of an internationally recognized entertainment group. This allows them to come to the country temporarily to perform as a member of this group that is internationally recognized for a period of time. An individual who wishes to obtain this visa must meet the following requirements:
  • At least 75% of the members in their group have had a substantial and consistent relationship with the group for at least one year
  • The group must be internationally recognized with a high level of achievement backed up by a skill that is above the ordinary
  • The group’s reputation is important as well

P-2 and P-3 Visas

• A P-2 visa exists for those who are individual performers or part of a group that is planning to perform in a reciprocal exchange program. This allows the individual to perform as an artist or entertainer, whether it may be individually or as part of a group. The requirements to receive this visa are as follows:
  • The individual must be an artist or entertainer under a formal reciprocal exchange agreement between the organization in the United States and the organization in the foreign country
  • The individual must possess skills that are comparable to those of artists and entertainers in the United States that are taking part in the program outside the country
• A P-3 visa is for individuals who are artists or entertainers coming to the country to temporarily be a part of a culturally unique program. This is for those coming to perform, teach, or coach. The requirements to receive this visa are as follows:
  • The individual must come to the country individually or as a group for one of the following purposes: developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance
  • The individual must come to the country to participate in a cultural event to further the understanding of their art form

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