Practicing Exclusively Immigration Law
in Palm Beach County, FL
P-1B A Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
The P-1B classification applies to aliens who are coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.
If you are an entertainer desiring to enter the U.S. and you do not qualify for an O visa, a P visa may be the best option for you. The P-1B visa allows entertainers to come into the U.S. and stay for five years. A P1 visa holder can come to the U.S. to participate in activities such as a tour, exhibit, project, entertainment event or engagement. Such activities can include short vacations, promotional appearances for the petitioning employer relating to the competition, event or performance, and stopovers that are incidental and/or related to the activity.
The P-1B visa is usually valid for five years. Singers, individual musicians and entertainment groups including bands, as well as anyone who is an integral part of an entertainment group, is eligible to apply. Family members (spouses and children) of P-1 visa holders can accompany them to the U.S. through the P-4 visa (see below).
Eligibility Criteria
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At least 75 percent of the members of the group must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.
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The entertainment group must be internationally recognized, having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered.
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The reputation of the group, not the individual achievements of its members or the acclaim of a particular production, is essential.
Note: Individual entertainers not performing as part of a group are not eligible for this visa classification.
Special Provisions for Certain Entertainment Groups
Alien circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt the one year requirement and the internationally recognized requirement. The alien or aliens must be coming to join a nationally recognized circus.
Certain nationally known entertainment groups may have the internationally recognized requirement waived if they can establish they have been recognized nationally as outstanding in its discipline for a sustained amount of time in consideration of special circumstances.
Contact us to discuss your situation and see if the P-1 visa is appropriate to your needs.