P-1B | Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group

The P-1B classification applies to people coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been established for a minimum of one year and recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

Qualifications

At least 75% of the members of your group have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least one year
Your entertainment group must be internationally recognized, having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country. The reputation of the group, not the individual achievements of its members or the acclaim of a particular production, is essential
You must perform as part of a group, as individual entertainers are not eligible for this visa classification
Special provisions for certain entertainment groups:
Circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt from the one-year requirement and the internationally recognized requirement. The circus performers and personnel must be coming to join a nationally recognized circus
Certain nationally known entertainment groups may have the internationally recognized requirement waived if they can establish they have been recognized nationally as outstanding in its discipline for a sustained amount of time in consideration of special circumstances

What You'll Need

Complete Form I-129
Written consultation from an appropriate labor organization regarding the nature of the work to be done or a statement proving that the group has been established and performing regularly for a period of at least 1 year (if no appropriate labor organization exists, this requirement is excused)
Itinerary with the dates and locations of the performances
A copy of the contract between the petitioner and the beneficiary or summary of terms of the oral agreement under which the beneficiary will be employed
Evidence that your group has been established and performing regularly for at least one year
Statement from the petitioner listing each member of the group and the exact dates for which each member has been employed on a regular basis by the group
Evidence that your group is internationally recognized as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time as demonstrated by evidence of your group's receipt of, or nomination for, significant international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in the field, or evidence of at least three of the following:
Your group has performed and will perform as a starring or leading entertainment group in production or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements
Your group has achieved international recognition and acclaim for oustanding achievement in its field as evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines or other published material
Your group has performed and will perform services as a leading or starring group for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials
Your group has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by indicators such as ratings, box office receipts, record cassette or video sales, and other achievements as reported in trade journals, major newspapers or other publications
Your group has received significant recognition for achievements from critics, organizations, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field
Your group has commanded and will command a high salary or other substantial renumeration for services comparable to others similarly situated in the field, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence

Questions? Contact us.

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FAQs

Can I change my employer?

You may change employers, but only after your new employer has filed a new Form I-129 with USCIS requesting permission to employ you and extend your stay. You may not commence employment with the new employer until the Form I-129 has been approved.

Can my family join me?

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may obtain P-4 status. Your dependents may not engage in employment, but may attend school or college.

How long can I stay with this visa?

Visa holders are allowed to stay for the time needed to complete the event, competition, or performance, not to exceed one year. Increments of up to one year to continue or complete the event, competition, or performance, may be granted.

Is there a fee to file?

Yes, there is a $460 filing fee and an $85 biometric fee. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can I file my P-1 form?

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

Pay your filing fee online
Check the status of your case
Receive notifications and case updates
View personalized case completion date estimates
Respond to requests for evidence
Manage your contact information, including updating your address

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

Do I need legal representation to file?

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Why should I work with ImmigrationUSA?

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.

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