P1 Visa

The P1 Visa can be obtained by an individual, or a group of people who are working in the entertainment or sports industry and have gained international recognition. Support personnel who are in an essential role in the performance of the entertainer and/or athlete may also be eligible for this visa. This may include people in roles such as being a trainer, a team official, or a coach. Entertainers performing under a culturally unique program are not eligible for this visa, and should instead apply for a P3 Visa.

If you are a holder of a P1 Visa, you may take part in both sporting and entertainment events. However, if you pursue this visa as part of a group, you will not be able to perform or compete as an individual while in the US.

Eligibility criteria may differ between the P1A and P1B Visa. For example, those applying for a P1A visa will need to meet at least two of the following criteria:

• The applicant must have participated in a major US sports league
• The applicant must have participated in a US College, university, or intercollegiate sports league
• The applicant must have participated in a national or international level competition or event
• The applicant must be nationally or internationally ranked in a high position within your field of expertise
• The applicant must have obtained a national or international award for your excellence within your field of expertise

If you are an entertainer wishing to obtain a P1B Visa, you must meet at least two of the following criteria:

• You must have had major success in records, box office sales, video sales, or ratings
• You must have had achievements outlined in major news outlets for trade journals
• You must have had recognition from government agencies, critics, or other experts in the field, who are able to testify to your individual or group achievements
• You must have had a high salary and good compensation from the activity that you partake in, and be able to provide evidence of this remuneration

Applicants of a P1 Visa will need to be sponsored by an employer or organization within the US. The sponsor must start the application by filing a Form I-129 no more than six months before the scheduled performance in the activity that you partake in. In regards to groups, employers are able to submit either a joint application as a whole or an individual application for each member of the group.

In addition to the main petition form, the United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) will need to review the following documents:

• Consultation with an accredited labor organization
• An itinerary of the event
• Evidence that proves your individual reputation, or your group’s international reputation
• For groups, proof that you have been formed and established as a group for at least one year prior to the visa application

Once your petition form has been approved, you can then submit a Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application). You will then need to schedule an appointment for your visa interview, where you will get the opportunity to explain the rationale and reasons for your trip to the US, as well as prove your character.

As a general rule of thumb, the whole process from beginning to the end of obtaining a P1 Visa can take between three to six months. If you need faster results, you can pay the $2,500 fee for premium processing, which will allow you to receive a decision within 15 days.

Processing of Form I-129 may take between two to eight weeks to start off the application process. This timeframe depends on how busy the USCIS are, and if they have a backlog. Once this has been approved, you can immediately submit Form DS-160, and schedule your interview, which can usually be booked for a couple of weeks in advance.

The key to having a faster application is by making sure that you have all of the required documentation and supporting files that have been requested. Missing or forgetting anything off the checklist will cause further delays in the application process, and could result in a rejected visa application.