P-3 VISA

MusicVisas P-3 Visa Image.jpg

THE P-3 VISA

P-3 visas are reserved for individuals and groups whose music or performances are culturally unique. Unlike an O-1B or P-1B visa, a P-3 visa allows individuals or groups to teach and coach whilst in the United States. It is the P-3 visa classification that allows culturally unique artists to gain entry to the United States of America.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To qualify for the P-3 visa, you must be coming temporarily to the United States to “perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.” U.S. Citizen & Immigration Services (USCIS) dictates that P-3 visas allow culturally unique artists to come to the U.S. for the purpose of “developing, interpreting, representing, coaching or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artists performance or presentation.”

EVIDENTIARY CRITERIA FOR THE P-3 VISA

In order to be eligible for a P-3 visa you must provide evidence that you intend to participate in an event(s) which will further the understanding or development of your art form in the United States. Evidence may include;

  • Affidavits, testimonials or letters from recognized experts attesting to the authenticity of your or your group's skills in performing, presenting, coaching or teaching the unique and traditional art forms and giving the credentials of the expert including the basis of his or her knowledge of your or your group’s skills.

  • Documentation that you or your group’s performance is culturally unique as evidenced by reviews in newspapers, journals or other published materials.

  • Documentation that all of the performances or presentations will be culturally unique events.

P-4 VISAS
SPOUSES AND CHILDREN

Any accompanying, or following you to join, spouse and children under the age of 21 may apply for a P-4 visa. A P-4 visa will be subject to the same period of admission and limitations as the P-3 beneficiary. It is important to note that P-4 beneficiaries are NOT eligible to work in the United States, but they may engage in full or part time study on a P-4 visa.

PERIOD OF STAY

Once the visa petition is approved for the P-3 beneficiary by USCIS, the beneficiary can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate for their visa. The initial period of stay that can be granted to the beneficiary cannot exceed 1 year. The P-3 beneficiary may request an extension, with USCIS determining the necessity of the extension. USCIS can grant extensions of stay in increments of 1 year.

For more information on P-3 Visas and their requirements, click here.