The P-2 visa is designed for artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and a foreign organization. The P-2 visa promotes cultural exchange and collaboration between artists or groups from different countries. It allows U.S. artists or groups to participate in similar reciprocal exchange programs abroad.
If you're an artist or entertainer seeking to showcase your talents in the United States and earn compensation or prizes, the P-2 visa is a valuable avenue to explore. This nonimmigrant visa not only grants entry for performances but also allows visa holders to engage in part-time study within the United States.
P-2 visa holders have the flexibility to apply for additional visas, extending the privilege to essential support personnel and immediate family members.
To qualify for a P-2 visa, artists or entertainer groups must be entering the U.S. temporarily through a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program.
If you're an artist or entertainer seeking to showcase your talents in the United States and earn compensation or prizes, the P-2 visa is a valuable avenue to explore. This nonimmigrant visa not only grants entry for performances but also allows visa holders to engage in part-time study within the United States.
P-2 visa holders have the flexibility to apply for additional visas, extending the privilege to essential support personnel and immediate family members.
To qualify for a P-2 visa, artists or entertainer groups must be entering the U.S. temporarily through a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program.
Currently, there are five established P-2 reciprocal agreements, each fostering cooperation between prominent organizations:
- The American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and the American Federation of Musicians (Canada)
- The American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and the American Federation of Musicians (Canada)
- Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the British Actors’ Equity Association
- The Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the Screen Actor Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)
- Individuals applying for the P1 Visa to perform with their team cannot perform independently while in the US.
For cases involving reciprocal agreements outside of these five, careful review and approval from the USCIS is essential.
The P-2 visa allows for the inclusion of essential support personnel who are integral to the performance of the artist or group. These individuals must have critical skills and experience that cannot be readily filled by U.S. workers. Dependents, including spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old, can accompany P-2 and P-3 visa holders to the United States under the P-4 visa category.
The P-2 visa is granted for the duration of the reciprocal exchange program or for up to one year, whichever is shorter. Extensions may be granted for increments of one year, as necessary.
The P-2 does not require the employer to obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This simplifies the process compared to other work visa categories.
The P-2 visa allows for the inclusion of essential support personnel who are integral to the performance of the artist or group. These individuals must have critical skills and experience that cannot be readily filled by U.S. workers. Dependents, including spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old, can accompany P-2 and P-3 visa holders to the United States under the P-4 visa category.
The P-2 visa is granted for the duration of the reciprocal exchange program or for up to one year, whichever is shorter. Extensions may be granted for increments of one year, as necessary.
The P-2 does not require the employer to obtain a labor certification from the U.S. Department of Labor. This simplifies the process compared to other work visa categories.
Application process for a P-2 Visa
To secure a P-2 Visa for artists and entertainers, the initial step involves sponsorship from a U.S. employer or a supporting labor organization. The visa application process starts with the filing of Form I-129 (Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker) by the sponsor with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Here are the subsequent steps of the application process:
1.Sponsor's Initiatives:
P-2 visas typically undergo processing for 60 days or more, encompassing the time required for USCIS to process Form I-129, which typically spans between 2 to 8 weeks. It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for the P-2 and P-3 visas may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the nature of the exchange program or cultural presentation.
1.Sponsor's Initiatives:
- The sponsor submits Form I-129 to the USCIS.
- The application fee is paid.
- Supporting documentation for the P-2 visa application is provided.
- Upon approval of the petition, the process shifts to the National Visa Center.
- The artist or entertainer is prompted to complete and submit Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa). Form DS-160, an online nonimmigrant visa application, can be accessed on the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center’s official website. This comprehensive form gathers essential personal information, including the applicant’s background and purpose for entering the United States.
- The artist or entertainer covers the P-2 application fee.
- A visa interview is scheduled and attended at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
- Following the interview, a decision on the visa application is announced.
P-2 visas typically undergo processing for 60 days or more, encompassing the time required for USCIS to process Form I-129, which typically spans between 2 to 8 weeks. It is important to note that the specific requirements and procedures for the P-2 and P-3 visas may vary depending on the individual's circumstances and the nature of the exchange program or cultural presentation.
Our experienced team is here to guide you through the intricacies of P-2 visa applications, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and facilitating a smooth and successful process for your artistic endeavors in the U.S.