P3 Visa

The P-3 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which allows foreign nationals to enter into the U.S. to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.

A P-3 visa classification may be accorded to artists or entertainers, individually or as a group, coming to the U.S. for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation.

Further, you must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a cultural event or events which will further the understanding or development of your art form. The program may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature.

On P-3 visa, you may:

1. Enter the U.S. and perform for payment or prize money
2. Engage in part time study
3. Apply for visas for accompanying essential support personnel
4. Apply for P-4 visas for dependents

The limitations of P-3 visa are:

1. You may work only for the employer that sponsored you. If you change jobs, you must obtain a new visa
2. P-3 visa petitions cannot be approved until the appropriate labor organization is consulted by the USCIS
3. Receive payment for services performed
4. Dependents are allowed to stay in the U.S. with you, however they may not work

You may stay in the U.S. for the period necessary to complete the performance or event for which you were admitted, and it may not exceed one year.

Yes, an extension of stay may be authorized in increments of one year for P-3 status holders, to continue or complete the same event or activity for which you were admitted.

Yes, you may engage in part time study on P-3 visa.

No, there are no travel restrictions on P-3 visa. You may travel in and out of the U.S. as long as your visa stamp and status are valid.

The petition filed by the employer must include any one of the following:

1. Affidavits, testimonials or letters from recognized experts attesting to the authenticity of your skills in performing, presenting, coaching, or teaching the unique or traditional art form. The document must give the credentials of the expert, including the basis of the experts’ knowledge of your skill, or

Consultation with an appropriate labor organization is required for P-3 petitions involving foreign nationals in culturally unique programs. If the advisory opinion is favorable to the petitioner, it should

1. Evaluate the cultural uniqueness of the P-3 artist or entertainer’s skills
2. State whether the events are cultural in nature
3. State whether the event or activity is appropriate for P-3 classification

Note: If the advisory opinion is not favorable to the petitioner, it must also set forth a specific statement of facts which support the conclusion reached in the opinion. In lieu of the above, a labor organization may submit a letter of no objection if it has no objection to the approval of the petition.

Yes, you may apply for P-4 visa for your spouse and unmarried children below 21 years.

Yes, your dependents may engage in full time study on P-4 visa.

Yes, you may apply for adjustment of status and lawfully seek to become a legal permanent resident of the U.S.

Note: This provision does not include essential support personnel.