P-3 – Performer Visa

Processing visas for folk actors and musicians that a sponsor wishes to bring to the United States to participate in a culturally unique program, event or concert series. For a P-3 visa, you must be coming to the United States either individually or as a group for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation. In addition, you must be coming to the United States to participate in a cultural event or events which will further the understanding or development of your art form. The program may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature.

Essential support personnel who are an integral part of the performance of a P- 3 artist or entertainer and who perform support services that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker, are eligible for P-3 classification. Support personnel may include coaches, scouts, trainers and other team officials and referees.

The U.S. employer must file a separate Form I-129 for support personnel.  The petition must include the following documents:

  • A consultation from an appropriate labor organization
  • A statement describing the support person’s prior and current essentially, critical skills and experience with the P-3 artist or entertainer
  • A copy of a written contract between the employer and the support person or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which the support person will be employed