Entertainers and Professional Athletes (O and P Visas)

Members of the entertainment profession who seek to enter the United States temporarily to perform services must have a petition-based O or P visa, regardless of the amount of pay or the nature of the service.  The only exception to this rule is for certain cultural programs sponsored by the sending country, performing before a nonpaying audience, and paid by the member’s government.

P visas are available for members of the entertainment profession and professional athletes.  O visas are available for other aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education and business.  In order to qualify for an O or P visa, you must have the U.S. employer, agent, or organizer file an I-129 petition on your behalf with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the United States.  O and P visas are not available to domestic helpers and unskilled "artist assistants".

Please note that approval of a petition does not guarantee visa issuance.  Visa processing at AIT generally requires three working days, regardless of the imminence of a performance.  Applicants should ensure that petitions and visa applications are filed in a timely manner.

APPLYING FOR A VISA

1. Please follow the steps listed on the “How to apply” page to submit your application and prepare the required documents.

2. Please provide the receipt number of the approved I-129 petition.  It is also helpful to bring a copy of the I-129 petition and a copy of the I-797 Notice of Approval to the visa interview.

3. Please present proof of educational and work experience.

For additional information, click here.  (The Department of State website).