P-3 Visa

What is the P-3 Visa?

The P3 visa is described as applying to “Artists or Entertainers In Culturally Unique Program”. This is a non-resident U.S. Visa for artists or entertainers coming into the Unites States to…

  • Participate or to perform in a culturally unique program.
  • Represent, teach, or coach in cultural, musical, ethnic, folk, artistic, or theatrical arts
  • or to act as support personnel to P-3 holders.

P3 Visa Details

  1. Commercial permitted: The cultural program may be either commercial or non-commercial in nature. A visa holder is allowed to be paid.
  2. Level of expertise: The P3 visa does not require as high a standard as the P1 (athletes/entertainers) visa, but level of performance should be comparable to U.S.-based performers.
  3. Duration: A period required to complete the program or event up to 1 year maximum.
  4. Extensions: P3 visas may be extended in increments of  one year to cover the same event or activity for which the original P3 visa was granted.
  5. Study: Holder may undertake study on a part-time basis.
  6. Travel: Holder is free to travel within and outside the U.S. while the visa is valid.
  7. Dependents: Spouse and any unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany or visit.
    • This will require a P4 visa application.
    • Note, that the P4 visa does not permit the holder to work.
  8. Green Card: P3 holders may apply for an Adjustment of Status and seek permanent residency.
    • The permanent residency option does not extend to support personnel.

The Most Common P-3 Fees and Their Associated Costs

  • Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker: This is the main form required for a P-3 visa application, filed by the U.S. employer, agent, or foreign employer. The cost of Form I-129 is $460.
  • Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status: This form is used if a change of status or extension is needed for the P-3 visa holder while they are in the United States. The cost of Form I-539 is $370.
  • Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service: This form is optional and allows the applicant to expedite the processing of their Form I-129. The fee for Form I-907 is $2,500.
  • Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: This form is required when applying for a P-3 visa from outside the United States at a U.S. consulate. The fee for Form DS-160 is $160.
Beyond these form fees, the applicant may also need to consider other costs such as travel expenses to the U.S. embassy or consulate, translation fees, document preparation fees, and costs associated with acquiring necessary supporting documents like copies of their passport, a birth certificate, or a marriage certificate. The total cost of a P-3 visa application can vary greatly depending on the individual's circumstances, but the applicant should expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars in application fees and other associated costs.

MOST FREQUENTLY USED P-3 VISAS FORMS

Form I-129

Form I-539

Form DS-160

  • Cost $460
  • Fees in USD
  • Filed on Behalf of Employer 
  • Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker
  • Cost $370
  • Fees in USD
  • Filed by the Applicant
  • Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status
  • Cost $160
  • Fees in USD
  • Filed by the Applicant
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Attorney Tips for P3 Visa Applications

Click to play


Want to learn more?

Check out these articles below