Visa Types
Athletes, Artists, & Entertainers
O Visas - Persons with Extraordinary Ability, and Members of the Entertainment Profession
The O visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of persons with extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education, business, and athletics, or persons with extraordinary achievement in motion picture and television production, and their essential support personnel.
Only individuals may qualify for the O-1 visa category. In order for a group to qualify, each member would be required to meet the extraordinary ability test. The visa is granted for a specific event, such as a tour, lecture series, or project.
For athletes and members of the entertainment industry, a provision exists whereby aliens who are an integral part of the performance and have skills and experience which are not available in the United States location may apply for O-2 visas to accompany the O-1 visa holder.
The sponsor, organizer, or agent in the United States begins the O-1 or O-2 visa process by filing a Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Documents Required for O-1 or O-2:
- Original Form I-797 Notice of Action indicating USCIS approval of the I-129 petition
P Visas - Atheletes, Artists, & Entertainers
The P-1 visa classification provides for admission into the United States of certain athletes, entertainers, and artists, and their essential support personnel. P-1 visas cannot be granted to individual members of the entertainment industry, but rather only to groups. P-1 visas can be granted to individual athletes. For members of the entertainment industry, the visa will be issued for a specific event only. However, individual athletes may be admitted for five years and a team may be admitted for a period of six months.
The P-2 visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, involved in a reciprocal exchange program between an organization or organizations in the United States and one or more foreign countries which provides for the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.
The P-3 visa classification provides for the admission into the United States of an artist or entertainer, either an individual or group, to perform, teach, or coach under a program that is culturally unique.
The sponsor, organizer, or agent in the United States begins the P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa process by filing a Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service.
Documents Required for P-1, P-2, or P-3:
- Original Form I-797 Notice of Action indicating USCIS approval of the I-129 petition
- Proof of current and previous experience or qualifications
Do you qualify for the O or P visa? What next?
The sponsor, organizer, or agent in the United States begins the O or P visa process by filing a Form I-129 Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service. USCIS will determine whether the alien qualifies for the these visa categories. Any questions concerning eligibility should be addressed to the appropriate USCIS office.
What happens once the petition has been approved by USCIS?
If an O or P petition has been approved in your name, then you will be required to apply for a visa before traveling to the United States. The Form I-797 Notice of Action by itself is not sufficient for travel to the United States; it must also be accompanied by the appropriate visa.
Spouses, Children, & Partners
Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay must obtain derivative O-3 or P-4 visas. Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but who intend to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for B-2 visitor visas or to travel visa-free under the Visa Waiver Program.
More information for unmarried partners and common-law spouses.
Documents Required for O-3 or P-4:
- Original Form I-797 Notice of Action indicating USCIS approval of the I-129 petition
- Original marriage certificate or birth certificate showing relationship to the principal visa applicant (O-1, O-2, P-1, P-2, or P-3)
O-3 & P-4 versus F-1
A spouse or child who holds a valid O-3 or P-4 visa may study in the United States without obtaining an F-1 student visa. However, if they are qualified, they may apply for the F-1 visa. If you have school age children, you should refer to the regulations governing the issuance of F-1 student visas.
Working on an O-3 or P-4 visa
The holder of an O-3 or P-4 visa may not work in the United States. If he or she is seeking employment, then the appropriate work visa will be required.
Please note that we can give no assurances in advance regarding the issuance of visas. Therefore, please do not make final travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until a visa has been issued.