| P-1/P-2/P-3 Outstanding Athletes and Entertainers
(Group)
P-1 entertainment groups may be admitted
for the period of time necessary to complete the performance
or event.
P-2 Artists and Entertainers under Reciprocal Exchange
Programs
Unlike the P-1 classification, P-2 makes no demand that
the artist or entertainer have attained any particular level
of proficiency, prominence, renown, or even experience. Moreover,
P-2 visas do not require a cultural or ethnic component. The
statute authorizes P-2 visas either for individual artists
or for groups. To qualify, the alien must be either an artist
or be an entertainer with skills comparable to those of the
U.S. entertainer participating in the exchange. The terms
and conditions of employment for the U.S. and foreign participants
should be similar. Thus, the artists or entertainers who will
take part in the exchange should be of similar caliber. The
proposed length of employment should be equivalent, and a
similar number of individuals should be involved on both sides
of the exchange.
The petition must include a copy of the formal reciprocal
exchange agreement between the United States organization
or organizations (including management organizations) sponsoring
the aliens, and an organization or organizations in a foreign
country that will receive the United States artists or entertainers.
P-3 Culturally Unique Artists and Entertainers
This category accommodates exponents of unique art forms
that may be less well known to the public because, by their
nature, they do not ordinarily receive the widespread acclaim
and recognition enjoyed in the mainstream arts or at commercial
venues.
For inclusion in this category, artists or entertainers
must be coming to the United States primarily for cultural
event(s) to further the understanding or development of that
art form. Teachers and coaches, as well as performers, are
eligible for P-3 status to encourage them to disseminate their
knowledge.
The regulations require affidavits, testimonials, or letters
from recognized experts which attest to the artist's authenticity,
state the expert's credentials, and show the basis for knowing
the artist's skill and recognition. Also required is evidence
that all of the performances or presentations will be educational
or cultural events. ''Culturally unique'' is defined as ''a
style of artistic expression, methodology, or medium which
is unique to a particular country, nation, society, class,
ethnicity, religion, tribe, or other group of persons.''
P-3 aliens may be admitted for commercial or noncommercial
performances.
Spouses and children of P nonimmigrants are admitted in
P-4 status. They may not accept employment without an independent
nonimmigrant classification permitting employment or another
independent basis for employment authorization.
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