Complete Guide to the P-3 Visa

Are you an entertainer or performer in a culturally unique area? Did you know if you want to travel to the U.S., there is a visa specifically allocated just for you? This is known as a P-3 visa. 

If you’re interested, take a look below. We’ll unpack precisely what the P-3 visa is, what you need to qualify, and how long you’ll have to wait before you can leave for the U.S.

What is a P-3 Visa?

A P-3 visa is a short-term work visa available to entertainers, teachers, and artists who have a job offer in the U.S. The P-3 visa is available if you will be coming to the U.S. to “perform, teach or coach” as an artist or entertainer under a program and in an area that is “culturally unique”. 

The P-3 visa is a non-immigrant and temporary visa. It allows you to enter the U.S. to attend specific programs or performances. 

Difference Between the P-1, P-2, and P-3 Visa

Although the rules of all the P-visas are similar, the main difference between the P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa is who and what they are available for. 

Here’s are the main differences:

• P-1 visa – This visa is available to athletes or athletic teams that are internationally recognized as outstanding and has been for a long and continuous period of time. This can include entertainment companies that house athletes such as acrobats. The P-1 visa is primarily based on the expertise of a group. You can read more about the P-1 visa here.
• P-2 visa – The P-2 visa is available to persons who come to the U.S. to perform or participate in reciprocal exchange programs between the U.S. and another country or countries. This is also available to artists and entertainers who participate in such a program. You can read more about the P-2 visa here.
• P-3 visa – The main differentiator of the P-3 visa is that it is for culturally unique activities. Below is more detail about the P-3 visa.

Who Qualifies for a P-3 Visa?

You will qualify for a P-3 visa if you visit the U.S. for the purpose of “developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation”. You can be doing this in a group or individually. 

On top of this requirement, you must also be coming to the U.S. to actually participate in a cultural event or events that will further the understanding of your art form. Commercial and non-commercial events will qualify. 

You do not need to have a specific level of expertise or be of a certain standard to qualify for a P-3 visa. Generally, however, you must be on-par with U.S. based performers. 

The P-3 visa is also available to support personnel to other P-3 visa holders. 

Limitations and Privileges of a P-3 Visa

You are allowed to be paid for your performances or participation in programs under the P-3 visa. You have to have a specific job offer to apply for a P-visa. Your U.S. employer or the organization that is offering you the job will have to sponsor you. If you are in the U.S. and want to change jobs, you will have to apply for a new visa. 

With the P-3 visa, you will be allowed to stay in the U.S. for up to 1 year to participate in specific programs or performances. The exact period of the visa will be related to the time required to participate in your planned activities in the U.S. You can extend your P-3 visa if necessary. This is done in increments of 1 year. However, you can only extend it to participate in the same event or activity the P-3 visa was initially applied for. 

Not only are you allowed to be paid, but you can also study on a part-time basis with the P-3 visa. You can also travel within our outside of the U.S. while your visa is valid. 

If you have a spouse or dependents who you want to bring with you to the U.S., they can apply for a P-4 visa. They will not be able to work in the U.S. while on the P-4 visa, though. 

Finally, probably the best part of all is you can apply for an adjustment of status and permanent residency if you are in the U.S. on a P-3 visa. Note, however, this doesn’t apply to support personnel. 

Required Documents for P-3 Visa

You will need the following documents to apply for a P-3 visa:

• Documents that show the performances or presentations you will be attending or be performing at are culturally unique.
• Documents that explain the events or activities you will be participating in, the beginning and end dates for these activities, and then a copy of your itinerary. The itinerary must include dates and locations of your performances. 
• A copy of the written contract between you and your sponsor (U.S. employer or U.S. sponsoring organization). If you don’t have an actual contract, you will need to provide a summary of the oral agreement between yourself and the petitioner. 
• A written consultation from an appropriate labor organization.
• Affidavits, Letters, or other testimonials from recognized experts who attest to the authenticity of your skills in “performing, presenting, coaching, or teaching” the traditional or unique art form. You will need to give the credentials of the expert providing the affidavit or testimonial, which must include the basis of their knowledge of you or your group’s skills. If you cannot get this from an expert, you can provide evidence that you or your group’s performance is culturally unique through reviews in newspapers, journals, or other published materials. 

You will also need to file a Form DS-160.

How to Apply for a P-3 Visa

Your U.S. employer or the U.S. sponsoring organization will have to submit a Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on your behalf. There is, fortunately, no annual limit to the number of P-3 visas available each year. 

P-3 Visa Cost

The filing fee for the Form I-129 is $460. Your U.S. Employer or U.S. sponsoring organization will probably pay this fee on your behalf, though. It will be a good idea to clarify this before you apply. 

Note, this fee does not include any charges you or the petitioner might pay for a consultant or attorney assisting you with your application. These fees would be extra. 

P-3 Visa Processing Time

The processing time for a P-3 visa is known to be quite quick. Depending on the Embassy or Consulate you are applying at, you can expect a processing time of 2 to 8 weeks. 

Conclusion

If you are a performer or entertainer, and you want to share your unique art form with the world, consider getting a P-3 visa and traveling to the U.S. Your stay doesn’t have to be short. If necessary, you can even extend it. You will be able to earn money and possibly even study! So, what are you waiting for? 

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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