P-1, P-2, & P-3 – Athletes and Entertainers (Back)

• The P visa category is available for entertainers and athletes who cannot qualify in the O visa category under the extraordinary ability standard.
   (The only other category in which athletes or entertainers may enter the United States is the H-2B category.) Unlike the O visa category,
   accompanying assistants are generally not permitted for P visa athletes and entertainers.

    The P-1 visa category is reserved for (1) foreign athletes who compete individually or as part of a team at an internationally recognized level of
    performance and (2) foreign nationals who perform with, or are an integral and essential part of the performance of, an entertainment group
    that has been recognized internationally as being “outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.”

    The P-2 visa category is reserved for artists or entertainers, including individuals or groups, who seek to enter the United States through a
    reciprocal exchange program between a U.S.-based and foreign-based organization (including a management organization) engaged in the
    temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.

    The P-3 visa category is reserved for artists or entertainers, including groups, who will perform “under a program that is culturally unique.”
    “Culturally unique” means a style of artistic expression, methodology, or medium which is unique to a particular class, society, religion, ethnicity,
    tribe, country, nation, or other group of people. The individual seeking P-3 status must be coming to the United States to participate in a cultural
    event or series of events that will further the development or understanding of his/her art form.