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Work Visas
P-1B Visas
A Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group.
There are many visas in the US Immigration Law that allow entertainers perform in America. Not surprisingly, the letter for that type of visa is P, which stands for Performer. There P1 visas, P2 visas and P3 visas. Each visa category is discussed on our website. The articles can be accessible through the navigation panel, the Work Visa tab.
What is the P-1B Visa?
The P-1 classification allows qualified performers as a part of a group, to come to the US temporarily to perform.
Who qualifies for a P-1B Visa?
Only internationally recognized performers qualify. The entertainment group must be distinguished by high awards on the international level. The USCIS is looking for such recognition that is substantially above ordinary entertainers. The reputation of a group as a whole is important, not the individual achievement of each member.
How is it different from P-3 visa?
Some entertainers, especially from the European countries may not qualify for P3 visas. The American culture is very similar to the European culture that makes most European performers not culturally unique. For example, Rock bands, classical music performers, circus workers, etc. Such beneficiaries will have a hard time showing cultural uniqueness. The P-1A category does not require the performers to be culturally unique. However, it requires International Recognition.
How to Demonstrate International Acclaim?
“Internationally recognized” in the law means “having a high level of achievement in a filed evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinary encountered to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.”
These requirements can be shown by providing evidence that the group was nominated for significant international awards, that it received international awards or prizes.
The alternative is to 3 out of 6 specifically enlisted categories.
- To show that the group performs as a leading entertainment group at prestigious events. This prong must be supported by news releases, advertisements, reviews, contracts, other publications and endorsements.
- The group has achieved international recognition. Again this must be supported by publicly available documents.
- The group has performed in the past or will perform a leading role for a distinguished organization. Must be supported by publications and testimonials.
- The group has many records/albums/performances that sustained a great commercial success. Must be supported by ratings, sales, publications in major media.
- The group has been well-received by recognized experts in the field.
- The last one is the money. The USCIS is looking for evidence that the group makes a lot of money.
One last thing is that Individual entertainers not performing as part of a group are not eligible for this visa classification. It has to be a group.
Please reach out to our team with questions about P1 visas or any other immigrant or visa category and will be happy to help you learn more about it.