Eligibility Criteria for P-2 Visa

According to the USCIS website at the time of publication, there are five government-recognized recognized P-2 joint agreements:

• The American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and the American Federation of Musicians (Canada);
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association;
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the British Actors’ Equity Association;
• The International Council of Air Shows and the Canadian Air Show Association.
• The Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA). The Screen Actor Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).

What kind of P visa do I qualify for?

The P-2 Application Process and Fees

P-2 visas require a U.S. sponsoring labor organization or U.S. employer to file “Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker”. The P-2 visa requires a non-refundable application fee of $460. Consult the “Department of State’s, travel.state.gov” page for visa application processing and issuance fees

An agent filing on behalf of multiple employers must establish authorization to act as an agent on all accounts. Here are the “Requirements for Agents and Sponsors Filing as Petitioners for the O and P Visa Classifications.”

Supporting Documents for P-2 Visa

When submitting Form I-129, include the following:

• The written consultation report from the recognized labor organization.
• Copy of the final reciprocal exchange agreement between the sponsoring U.S. organization(s) and the foreign host organization(s).
• Description of the reciprocal exchange of U.S. artists or entertainers from the sponsoring organization about the specific petition.
• Evidence that the applicant and the U.S. artist or entertainer have comparable skills and the organization in another country has equivalent employment terms and conditions.
• Evidence of negotiation with an appropriate U.S. labor organization. Or negotiation has concurred with the reciprocal exchange of U.S. and foreign artists or entertainers.

Note: Must submit an itinerary listing event dates and locations of events or performances in multiple areas.

A Complete Guide to U.S. Visas for Artists and Entertainers

P-2 Visa Application Checklist

Once USCIS approves your Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129), you can apply at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Several steps in the visa application process can vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website where you will apply.

Complete The Online Visa Application

• Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160  

1. Complete the online visa application and 
2. print the application confirmation page to bring to your interview.

• Photo – Upload your 2×2 photo with Form DS-160. See Photograph Requirements.

Schedule a P-2 Visa Interview

We recommend scheduling your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. It can be challenging to qualify outside of your place of permanent residence.

Apply for your visa early; interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa category. 

Gather Required P-2 Documents

Before your visa interview, gather and prepare the following:

• Passport allowing travel to the U.S. and valid for at least six months past the authorized period of stay. (Unless exempt by country-specific agreements.)
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Application fee payment receipt.
• Photo – You will upload your photo with Form DS-160. It is a good idea to bring one printed backup.
• Receipt Number for your approved Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129
  

Initial Period of Stay & P-2 Visa Extension

The initial period of stay is for the duration of the event, competition, or performance but cannot exceed one year. Extensions are available in increments of up to one year to continue or complete the event, competition, or performance.

Change of Employment

P-2 visa holders may switch employers after the new employer files a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker and USCIS grants permission.

Apply for a change of status, an extension, or a change of employment using Form I-129.

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P-2 Visa for Essential Support Personnel

Essential support personnel integral to the entertainer or group may be eligible for P-2 classification. Support personnel includes stagehands, trainers, or those with critical knowledge of the specific services.

For support personnel, the employer or agent has to file a separate Form I-129 and requires the following documents:

• The written consultation report from the recognized labor organization
• A statement describing the support person’s essential skills and experience related to the P-2 artist or entertainer.
• Copy of the written contract between the employer and the support person or a summary of the oral employment agreement terms.

Family of P-2 Visa Holders

A P-2 visa holder spouse and unmarried children under 21 can get P-4 status. P-2 dependents cannot work but may attend school or college.

Consult with an expert attorney for P-2 immigration services.

Most Common P-2 Forms and Their Associated Cost

• Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker ($460). This is the main form that must be filed by the sponsoring organization in the United States.
• Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization ($180). This form must be filed by the P-2 visa applicant in order to obtain permission to work in the United States.
• Form I-134, Affidavit of Support ($160). This form must be filed by a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who agrees to financially support the P-2 visa applicant while they are in the United States.

The total cost for the P-2 visa is typically around $985, which includes the filing fees for Form I-129, Form I-765, Form I-134, the biometric services fee, and the SEVIS fee.