New Orleans P Visa Lawyers
Helping athletes and artists obtain visas to compete and perform in New Orleans and Slidell
Athletes and entertainers use P visas. These visas permit the holders the right to compete and perform in the United States. Entertainers also use P vias to engage in reciprocal exchange programs and engage in performances that are culturally unique. Essential support workers such as coaches and directors are also eligible for P visas. Spouses and dependent children of P visa holders can also come to the US, although they cannot work here.
At the Law Office of James A. Graham, we help companies and organizations in the US arrange for athletes or performers to travel to New Orleans, Slidell, and Southeastern Louisiana. Our New Orleans P visa lawyers will explain the eligibility requirements and guide you and your applicant through the immigration application process. Call us now to help arrange your local event with ease.
How can we help?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a P-1 athletic visa?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a P-1B entertainment group member visa?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a P-2 reciprocal exchange program entertainment/artist visa?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a P-3 culturally unique program?
- What are the eligibility requirements for a P-4 spouse or child visa?
- Are there any other eligibility requirements for P visas?
- Do you have a P visa lawyer near me?
What are the eligibility requirements for a P-1 athletic visa?
The United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) eligibility requirements for athletes are that the applicant is coming to the US on a temporary basis, solely to compete in certain athletics competitions as:
- “An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance
- Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance
- A professional athlete
- An athlete or coach of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association.“
The P-1A classification is also used for professional and amateur athletes for theatrical ice-skating productions or tours, individually or as part of a group.
Highly skilled essential support personnel who are an integral part of the performance of the athlete or team are eligible for a P-1S visa. For example, many athletes have their own coaches who travel with the player.
What are the eligibility requirements for a P-1B entertainment group member visa?
The P-1B classification is used for members of an entertainment group who want to work temporarily in the United States. The applicant must be a member of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.
Highly skilled essential personnel “who are an integral part of the successful performance of a P-1B entertainment group” may seek a P-1S visa.
The filing requirements are similar to the filing requirements for a P-1 athletic visa.
What are the eligibility requirements for a P-2 reciprocal exchange program entertainment/artist visa?
The P-2 visa applies to artists and entertainers (individually or as part of a group) to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between a US organization and a foreign organization.
To be eligible, the applicant must be part of a recognized reciprocal exchange program. The USCIS recognizes the following organizations:
- 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) and the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA).
- If a reciprocal agreement is submitted other than these five, USCIS will review the agreement to determine if the agreement adheres to the regulatory standard.
The applicant must have skills comparable to the skills of the US artists who are performing in the reciprocal part of the exchange in a foreign country.
Our New Orleans P visa lawyers help employers and sponsoring labor organizations with the formal petition process. We’ll help you complete Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker and file the necessary supporting evidence and documentation.
Per the USCIS, supporting documents include:
- A written consultation by an appropriate labor organization
- A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement
- “A statement from the sponsoring organization describing the reciprocal exchange of United States artists or entertainers as it relates to the specific petition for which classification is sought”
- Evidence of comparable skills and terms/conditions of employment with the US artist/entertainer in the exchange program
- “Evidence that an appropriate labor organization in the United States was involved in negotiating, or has concurred with, the reciprocal exchange of U.S. and foreign artists or entertainers.”
If the performances involve more than one venue, then an itinerary or the dates and locations must be provided.
Highly skilled essential support personnel should use the P-2S visa.
What are the eligibility requirements for a P-3 culturally unique program?
The P-3 visa is used for applicants “coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.”
The P-3 visa applicant “must be coming to the United States either individually or as a group for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation.”
The applicant must also “be coming to the United States to participate in a cultural event or events which will further the understanding or development of your art form.” The program can be for profit or a noncommercial activity.”
Our New Orleans P visas lawyers help applicants complete Form 1-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker. The necessary supporting documents include:
- A written consultation from an appropriate labor organization
- A copy of the written contract or the terms of an oral agreement between the petitioner and beneficiary/applicant
- An explanation of the event and itinerary
- Additional documentation explaining why the performance is culturally unique
What are the eligibility requirements for a P-4 spouse or child visa?
Spouses and unmarried children (including adopted children) of the other types of P visas can apply for a P-4 visa. P-4 visa holders cannot work while they’re here in New Orleans. They can attend our fine schools and colleges. They can also open bank accounts and obtain a driver’s license, among other rights. Our New Orleans P visa lawyers will explain the requirements and help you complete those requirements.
Are there any other eligibility requirements for P visas?
Applicants must show that they have a foreign residence they can return to when their visa expires. Athletes and performers/artists (but not the essential support personnel) can seek a green card. Applicants must be from an eligible country, and the job can’t adversely affect American workers.
Generally, a P-1 visa for athletes lasts for up to five years with a one-year extension. The other P visas are generally viable for up to one year, though some extensions may apply. The good news is that there is no cap on the number of P visas. Unlike O visas, the participants do need “exceptional ability.”
Do you have a P visa lawyer near me?
The Law Office of James A. Graham has two offices located in South Louisiana:
For clients who are unable to travel, we can schedule phone or video conferences when needed.
Contact our experienced New Orleans immigration lawyers today
Sports and the arts enrich the lives of everyone in the New Orleans region. At the Law Office of James A. Graham, our immigration lawyers help Louisiana organizations and employers bring first-class competitors and artists from all over the world to our shores. We’ll guide you and the applicant through the USCIS immigration process. To help support global participation in athletics and the arts, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation with a respected New Orleans or Slidell immigration lawyer today.