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, whether or not they are paid, whether or not the services will involve public appearance, and whether or not the performance is for charity. The only exception to this rule is for certain cultural programs sponsored by the sending country.

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. Once the petition is approved, you may may make an appointment and apply for a visa at the American Institute in Taiwan, Taipei Office. You must bring the following documents:

• A valid passport (the bearer must personally sign the passport.)
• An application form DS-156 completed in English with one photo. Please include a Taiwan telephone number on the form. Local addresses may also be written in both English and Chinese for clarity. Addresses written in Chinese are not required. The photo should be 2 inches square (50 mm square) full-face (eyes facing camera) taken within the past six months. The head, from top to chin, should measure between 1 to 1 3/8 inch (25 to 35 mm). The photo should be in color with a white or off-white background.
• Male applicants between 16-45 years of age must also submit a completed form DS-157, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (in English).
• A non-refundable US$131 visa application processing fee. Please pay this fee in equivalent Taiwan currency at any branch of the Taiwan post office before you come in to apply. Our account number is 19189005. The account name is "AIT Visa Processing Fee". This receipt is valid for one year. In order to assist us with our record-keeping, we ask that one receipt be presented for each individual applicant.
• If you have changed your name, please include your previous name(s) on your application form DS-156 and bring a copy of your household registration record.
• Your original Notice of Approval (form I-797A or I-797B) from USCIS.
• Proof of your experience in the entertainment profession.

O and P visas are available for members of the entertainment profession and professional athletes. O visas are also available for other aliens of extraordinary ability in the sciences, arts, education and business. O and P visas are not available to domestic helpers and unskilled "artist assistants". Please note that visa processing at AIT generally requires two to three working days, regardless of the imminence of a performance. Applicants should ensure that petitions and visa applications are filed in a timely manner.

For additional information, click here.(The Bureau of Consular Affairs Website).