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These are non immigrant visas that allow foreigners to enter the US. P category visas are as follows:
P1 visa: They are issued to athlete, artist or entertainer both on an individual or group basis to participate in a particular event.
P2 visa: They cover a foreign band that performs in the US as part of an exchange program.
P3 visa: P3 visa applies to those foreigners who are artist/entertainers who intend to enter US to teach or perform either individually or in a group.
P4 visa: Dependent visa.
How to Apply For P Visa:
A visa application along sufficient documents to support your eligibility and achievement should be made to the US consulate /embassy in the foreign country.
Athletes:
Petition by the employer should be accompanied with the following particulars namely the contract, details of international recognition, written statements from media and US officials regarding the international participation and achievement.
Entertainers:
Petition by the employer should be accompanied with the following particulars namely proof of establishment of the group, details of group members, details of group’s international and outstanding performances and achievements. Sufficient details regarding exchange programs for P2 visa. Details regarding unique program and ability certification for a P3 visa.
Visa for a support person is classified under P1 visa category. Critical role played by the support person to be substantiated.
P Visa Eligibilities:
P1 visa: You should
- Be an athlete, artist or entertainer of international recognition. International recognition is waived where group is a nationally acclaimed / outstanding performer.
- Intend to participate in a particular performance, event or competition.
- Must been a part of a group for a minimum period of 1 year. This eligibility criterion is exempted for circus artist and athletes who play a critical role in the team.
P2 visa: You should
- Be an artist or entertainer in a group or individually.
- Be a part of a recognized exchange program.
P3 visa: You should be an artist or entertainer whose purpose is to teach or coach a unique / traditional either individually or in a group.
Length of Stay and Extension For P Visa Holders:
P1 visa: You are allowed to stay in the US for 5 years. Extension of stay is for a period of 5 years for athletes, while entertainers are granted extension of stay of one year at a time. Total stay cannot exceed 10 years.
P2&P3 visa: Stay in the US is for a period of 1 year. Extension of stay is in increments of 1 year.
These visas enable you to bring your dependents along with you under P4 visa. They are not allowed to work under P4 but they can take up full time study. As long as the visa status is valid you are allowed to travel in and out of the US.
P Visa Holders Whether Qualified to Apply for other Visas & Citizenship:
Applications for adjustment of status permitted to seek permanent residence in the US. P category visas allow you to do a part time study.
In which case your P Visa Athlete/Entertainer Application will be rejected:
- Consultation by USCIS with U S sports league is not satisfactory.
- Petition filed by the US Organizer is not approved.
- Athletes/ entertainers do not satisfy the eligibility criteria.
Conclusion for P Visa:
You are allowed to work for more than one employer provided separate petitions are filed by every such employer. However P3 visa holder can work only for the sponsoring company for a change of job new visa should be applied. P category petitions are not approved without a consultation from specific labor organizations. |
