The P-1B visa is available to foreign entertainment groups who wish to conduct a performance while visiting the United States. This visa applies to foreign members of entertainment groups entering the United States for a performance.
Applying For A P-1B Visa
Foreign entertainment groups and their members may apply for a P-1B visa if they wish to enter the United States to perform in an event, competition or performance. To successfully complete the application process, applicants are required to provide evidence of international recognition. Applicants who receive a P-1B visa are allowed to stay in the United States for up to 1 year, and must submit the Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, Form 1-539, if they wish to stay longer than 1 year.
Evidence Of International Recognition
When applying for a P-1B visa, applicants who are members of an entertainment group must be able to show proof of their cultural impact as well as international recognition. In order to prove international recognition, entertainment group members are required to present evidence of their achievements in their respective field. Evidence may include proof of the following:
- High praise received through reviews, advertisements or endorsements in relation to a previous performance
- Previous performances received praise in publications, journals, magazines or third party websites in their respective field
- Major success, commercially (ratings, receipts of tickets sales, etc)
- Significant recognition from organizations, foreign government entities or experts in their respective field
- The entertainment group will be able to produce substantial revenue for their performance in the United States, compared to others in their respective fields
Submission Of Form I-129
In addition to providing evidence of international evidence, P-1B visa applicants must also fill out and submit the Petition For A Nonimmigrant Worker, Form I-129. When submitting Form I-129, qualifying applicants are required to submit all of the following:
- Detailed consultation form from their foreign labor organization describing the activity the applicant wishes to engage in while in the United States
- Detailed itinerary of their stay, including the dates and times of their performance(s)
- A copy of the applicants’ performance employment contract
- Evidence which shows proof that the entertainment group has been performing for over 1 year
- Detailed list of all entertainment group members and dates when they joined
Seek Assistance From A Qualified Immigration Attorney
It is important for P-1B visa applicants to reach out to an experienced immigration law firm, as the application process is not only lengthy, but also requires an extensive amount of evidence and form submission. The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge, PLLC has years of experience assisting and providing legal counsel to foreign entertainment groups and their members who wish to perform in the United States. For more information, please give us a call at 703.273.5500 or request a consultation online.