P1B Visa

The P1B visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows individuals to temporarily come to the United States to perform as a member of an internationally recognized entertainment group.

What are the eligibility requirements for the P1B visa?

In order to qualify for the P1B visa, the visa holder’s circumstances must meet the following conditions:

• Coming to the U.S. to perform with an internationally recognized group;
• At least 75% of the members of the group must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year;
• The group must have a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered and is renowned in more than one country;
• The group must have been established for a minimum of one year and recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

Are individual entertainers not in a group eligible for the P1B visa?

No. Only entertainers performing as part of a group are eligible for the P1B visa. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) says that the reputation of the entertainment group is essential to eligibility, not the individual achievements of its members or the significance of a production.

What does it mean to be internationally recognized?

The USCIS describes international recognition as having a high level of achievement that is renowned, leading or well-known in more than one country.

What is the four step process for obtaining a P1B visa?

The process to apply for the P1B visa requires both the entertainers and their employer or sponsor to submit documentation to the United States government. The steps below outline the application process:

1. File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker

   The first step to apply for the P1B visa requires the applicant’s agent, potential employer, or sponsor file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker and written consultation from an applicable labor organization appropriate for the P1B visa. Both of these items must be filed with the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS).

   Specific Evidence to be Submitted with Form I-129

   When submitting Form I-129, certain evidence must be included that proves the applicant(s) have high level of achievement that is renowned, leading or well-known in more than one country. Additionally, evidence of the contract, events, or activities that cause them to seek entry into the United States must be submitted with Form I-129. The evidentiary requirements are discussed in more detail below:

   1. Labor Certification

      The P1B applicant(s) must have a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization that identifies the work or services to be performed by the P1B applicant(s) while in the United States, as well as their qualifications for the work. The labor organization may also submit a letter stating they do not object to the petition being approved.

   2. Evidence of Events in the United States

      Along with the written consultation, copies of written or oral contracts evidencing the terms of employment must be submitted, as well as an explanation of the nature of the events, competitions, or activities, including an itinerary with the beginning and end dates for the events.

   3. Identity and History of the Group

      The petitioning employer or sponsor must also provide a list of each member of the group, and their length of employment and membership in the group, along with evidence that the group has been established and performing regularly for at least one year.

   4. International Recognition

      Evidence must also be submitted that proves the group is internationally recognized as outstanding in their discipline, including that the group has maintained such international recognition for a sustained and substantial period of time. Such international recognition can be demonstrated by nomination or selection for international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in the field. Instead of proving international recognition through awards or prizes, it may be proved by significant past performances, positive reviews and recognition by publications or organizations, records of major commercial successes, or a history of substantial remuneration.

2. USCIS Process Form I-129

   Once the USCIS receives Form I-129, the employer, agent, or sponsor will receive the following in return:

   • A receipt notice confirming the petition was received;
   • A notice to appear for an interview, if required;
   • A biometric services notice, if applicable; and
   • A notice of decision, Form I-797, Notice of Action.
3. P1B Visa Applicant(s) Submits Form DS-160

   The P1B visa applicant(s) must complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 and pay the fee. This involves uploading a photo of the applicant that conforms to the U.S. Department of State photograph requirements. Once Form DS-160 is submitted, the employee must download and print the confirmation page showing Form DS-160 was completed and the filing fee paid. The confirmation page will need to be brought to the visa interview at a U.S. Consulate or Embassy.

4. Interview Requirement

   After submitting the form DS-160, the P1B visa applicant(s) will receive form I-797 and may be required to attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate where an official will evaluate an applicant’s application and ask questions pertaining to the applicant’s qualifications for the P1B visa.

   At the interview, the P1B visa applicant must bring the following documentation:

   • Receipt notice Form I-797, confirming petition Form I-129 was received;
   • Form DS-160 confirmation page;
   • Copies of labor certification documentation;
   • Evidence of the entertainment group’s identity and history;
   • Evidence of the contract or events the entertainment group seeks to travel to the U.S. to fulfill;
   • Evidence of the entertainment group’s outstanding international recognition;
   • Valid passport(s);
   • Photos that meets photograph requirements;
   • Visa application fee receipt;
   • Visa interview confirmation letter;
   • Receipts showing the applicant(s) paid all fees;
   • The interview confirmation letter.

Can P1B visa holders apply for a green card?

Generally, the P1B visa requires that the visa holder maintain permanent residency in their home country or abroad elsewhere that they do not intend to abandon and intend to return to upon the completion of the activities or events in the United States. This is because the P1B visa is a nonimmigrant temporary visa.

Despite this, a P1B visa holder may seek to become a permanent resident without facing denial of a P1B visa petition, change of status, or extension application if their circumstances change while they are in the U.S., such as by marrying a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident or changing status to an H-1B visa before applying.

Can you change employers under the P1B visa?

Yes. The new employer must file a new Form I-129 and receive approval with the USCIS before the P1B visa holder can begin the new employment. Approval of Form I-129 will permit the change in employment and permit the P1B visa holder(s) to extend their stay in order to fulfill the new employment.

Can family members travel to the United States with the P1B visa holder?

Yes. Family members of P1B visa holders can travel with them to the United States by obtaining a P-4 visa. Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible to accompany or join their P1B family member using the P-4 visa; however, they may not engage in employment while in the United States.

How much does it cost to apply for a P1B visa?

• DS-160 fee is $160
• Potential biometrics fee is $85
• Form I-129 is $460
• Medical exam costs vary

For how long is the P1B visa valid?

Generally, the P1B visa is valid for as long as it takes the entertainment group to complete the event or performance, but is capped at one year. Extensions may be requested by re-filing Form I-129 with the USCIS. Extensions will be granted if the P1B visa holder(s) need more time to complete the event or performance. However, extensions will be granted for no longer than one year.