P-2 & P-3 Visa

The P-2 visa applies to individuals travelling to perform as an artist or entertainer in the US. This can be for travel individually or as part of a group. This visa is usually conducted as a reciprocal exchange program between an organisation in the US and an organisation in another country. As a P-2 visa holder, you must possess skills equivalent to the artists or performers participating in the program outside the US.

The period of stay for the P-2 visa must not exceed 1 year. This is inclusive of the time needed to perform at the event. There is scope for visa extensions for up to 1 year depending on the individual’s eligibility.

If the P-2 visa holder is travelling with a support team, there is a P-2S visa classification available for highly skilled essential support workers. You must be able to demonstrate they are an integral part of the performance.

What is a Reciprocal Exchange Program?

There are currently five P-2 reciprocal agreements available:

👉 The American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and the American Federation of Musicians (Canada)

👉 Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association

👉 Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the British Actors’ Equity Association

👉 The International Council of Air Shows and the Canadian Air Show Association

👉 The Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the Screen Actor Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

If you are participating in a reciprocal agreement that has not been listed, you can submit the agreement for review and the USCIS will review it to ensure it meets the relevant standards.

Do I need a Sponsor or US Employer?

Yes. To apply for a P-2 Visa, you must have either:

👉 A sponsoring labor organisation in the US;

👉 A US employer

What documentation is required?

P-2 visa holders must provide the following:

👉 A written consultation by an appropriate labor organisation

👉 Evidence of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement and the sponsoring US organisation and the foreign organisation that will receive a US artist or entertainer in exchange

👉 Statement from the sponsoring organization outlining the exchange

👉 Evidence that you as the P-2 visa holder and the US artist or entertainer possess comparable skills and the employment conditions are similar

👉 Evidence of the involvement of the relevant labor organisation in negotiating the reciprocal exchange

👉 Itinerary – if the events are occurring in several areas across the United States

Can my family travel with me as a P-2 Visa Holder?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 are permitted to obtain P-4 visa status. This allows them to attend school or college however they cannot engage in employment.