Athletes/Performers Visa P-1, P-2, P-3

The P visa is for entertainers and athletes. The P-1 visa is for athletes who compete individually or as part of a team at an internationally recognized level, and entertainers who perform as part of a group that has received international recognition as outstanding for a sustained period of time.

Requirements for a P1 Athlete

Evidence of international recognition can be shown by presenting a contract with a major U.S. sports league or team, or a contract in an individual sport reflecting international recognition in that sport, and documentation of two of the following:

• participation in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league;
• participation in international competition with a national team;
• participation in a prior season for a U.S. college in intercollegiate competition;
• a statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or an official of the governing body of the sport detailing how that alien or the team is internationally recognized;
• a statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport that details how the alien or the team is internationally recognized;
• international rankings of the individual or team; or
• significant honors or awards in the sport received by the individual or team.

Requirements for a P1 Entertainment Group

To qualify for P-1 visas, an entertainment group must show that it has received international recognition as outstanding for a sustained and substantial period of time. International recognition can be shown by the group’s nomination or receipt of significant international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in its field, or by three of the following types of documentation that establish that the entertainment group has:

• performed or will perform as a starring or leading entertainment group in productions or events that have a distinguished reputation;
• achieved international recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievements in its field as evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published materials
• performed and will perform services as a leading or starring group for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation;
• a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes;
• achieved significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field; or
• commanded or now commands a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services comparable to others similarly situation in the field.