NONIMMIGRANT VISA - P CATEGORY

When thinking about immigration matters in the United States we often think only about getting a green card and eventually obtaining citizenship. We often forget that there are a variety of nonimmigrant visa categories available to people. These visa categories can keep people in valid immigrant status and often confer the benefit of working in your field of expertise. They can form an important bridge between initial nonimmigrant status and the status of legal permanent resident in the united states. Today I want to talk about a family of visas that can be helpful to people seeking to enter and remain in the United States for a period of time. The P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas are a valuable nonimmigrant visa option.

The P-1 visa is for athletes and performing artists. Individual athletes, athletic teams and entertainment groups who have received international recognition are eligible to apply for P-1 visas.

The P-1 visa for athletes assumes the individual has performed at an international level (meaning beyond just their country) and is coming to the United states to continue in their sport. The visa application requires a US based team or agent to generate the application. An example of a P visa would be for a soccer player, boxer, or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu athlete coming to the United states to train and compete in events. The applications can be approved for an initial period of five years.

The P-1 visa for group entertainers requires that the performers are part of a group that has been recognized internationally. Each member in the application has to have been a part of the group for at least one year prior to filing the application. Again a US based agent or entity can place this petition such as a church bringing in people for a religious music tour, a private company seeking to bring in a group of entertainers to perform at Brazilian independence day activities in the United States. These petitions are approved for the length of time involved in preparing and performing the event. Note that events can go over a whole season or involve stops at different locations in the country.

The P-2 visas are for artists and entertainers (individual or group) who are performing in a cultural exchange between the United States and their home country. These exchange programs have to be established and approved but provide an interesting opportunity for people to come and share their trade with the United states.

The P-3 visa is for the culturally unique artist or entertainer. It is for people who are coming to the United states to develop, represent, coach or teach their art. The art or techniques has to be from a distinct country or group of people. An example would be an athlete or coach of Capoeira or a samba teacher/dancer. This visa allows for the sharing and advancement of different cultures within the United States.

All the P-visa categories allow for the admission of essential support personnel. These are the skilled staff that assists the athlete, entertainer or artist in their work. These people have critical knowledge that is not readily available in the US population.

It is important to note that there is an alphabet soup of visas available. Sometimes relaying your story and professional experience to a seasoned practitioner of immigration law will unearth a host of possibilities for living and working in the United States.

(I will try to introduce different visas as we go on)