P-1 is for athletes and group entertainers.

If you are wishing to come to the United States to perform as an athlete individually or as part of a group or team that is internationally recognized, or as a person who performs with or is an integral, essential part of an entertainment group that has also been recognized internationally as being outstanding in the discipline, for a sustained and substantial period of time, then you can request at least one year under the P classification.  The P visa is a multiple entry visa.

Artists under a P-1 can be engaged in the fields of visual arts, culinary arts, performing arts, and it also includes entertainers. Professions that fall within this category vary from directors, set designers, lighting designers, sound designers, choreographers, conductors, orchestrators, coaches, arrangers, musical supervisors, costume designers, makeup artists, flight masters, stage technicians, and animal trainers.

P-1B entertainers:

The applicant is a foreign international group, with at least two in the group performing in the US or as an individual performing as part of a US group already in place. You can’t perform solo. 75% of the group must have performed together in the last year.

P-1 athletes can either be an individual or group that has international recognition to compete, not to coach. Athletes can include amateur or professional athletes, either as an individual or part of a group. A coach under an athlete would be support personnel. A coach would be a P-1S support for the main P-1 athlete applicant.

Artists are permitted under the P-1 either for a culturally unique program or reciprocal exchange program only. An artist can be an individual or group with international recognition.

Essential support personnel under the P-1 category can accompany the athlete, whether that is an individual or a group, or the entertainment group. This includes coaches, trainers, managers, technicians, and engineers.

Dependents of a P-1:

Dependents are known as P-4. A dependent spouse is not permitted to work in the United States. There is no work permit for the dependent spouses of the P-1 applicant.  P-4 dependent children and spouses are permitted to either follow the main P-1 applicant or join them after the P-1 applicant if already inside the United States. It is a multiple entry visa for the dependents. They can enter and depart the United States while the P-1 is in current P-1 status. P-4 children can go to school. P-4 spouses can obtain a driver’s license; and request a change of status to a different visa that permits them to work inside the States.

P extensions are permitted with USCIS. They are granted for up to twelve months per extension, and you can make unlimited requests for extensions under P-1. You are permitted to change U.S. employers under P-1, but you cannot work until the new P-1 is approved.

US Petitioner:

The U.S. petitioner under a P-1 can either be a U.S. employer or a U.S. agent; the latter gives you more flexibility to work for multiple employers.  You will need an itinerary if you want to work in multiple locations under a P-1, and you will need an agent if you wish to work for multiple employers under a P-1.

The standard for a P is an international standard. It is defined as a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that the achievement is renowned, leading, and well known in more than one country. International is defined as having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that achievement is renowned, leading, or well known in more than one country.

To establish international recognition, the U.S. petitioner must either provide documentation or at least three of the following criteria. The international recognition requirement can be waived under special circumstances.

Artists under a P-1 can be engaged in the fields of visual arts, culinary arts, performing arts, and it also includes entertainers. Professions that will fall within this category are directors, set designers, lighting designers, sound designers, choreographers, conductors, orchestrators, coaches, arrangers, musical supervisors, costume designers, makeup artists, flight masters, stage technicians, and animal trainers.

Dual Intent:

If you file a labor certification (to apply for permanent residency); it will not cause a denial of your P status.  However, support staff cannot apply for their labor certification.

Employer terminates your employment:

If the P applicant is involuntarily terminated from employment, the employer and petitioner who sought the P status are both liable for providing the cost of the person’s transportation home.

Speak to Caro, and she will go through everything with you to determine do you qualify for the P visa and whether you may be suited to a different visa.