P Visa for Athlete/Entertainer

The P category covers entertainers and athletes who cannot meet the standard for extraordinary ability in the O category. At Pollak PLLC, our Dallas P visa lawyer provides comprehensive, results-focused legal representation to clients throughout North Texas. If you or your loved one is preparing to apply for a P visa, we are here to help. To set up a fully confidential, no obligation consultation with a top-rated Texas immigration lawyer, please call our Dallas office at (214) 307-5510 or reach out to us directly online. 

An Overview of P Visas

A P visa is a type of temporary, non-immigrant employment visa that authorizes the recipient to come to the United States. Broadly speaking, P visas are reserved for highly skilled athletes, aristis, entertainers, and the spouses/children of qualified applicants. A P visa is often the best option for professionals who do not quite meet the high requirements of an O visa. Here are the key things to know about the three types of P visas: 

  • P-1 Visa: The P-1 visa is given to athletes who compete individually or as part of a team at an internationally recognized level, and also to aliens who perform with, or are an integral and essential part of the performance of an entertainment group that has received international recognition as “outstanding” for a “sustained and substantial period of time.” An individual athlete may qualify for this visa but an individual entertainer cannot—he or she must be part of a group.
  • P-2 Visa: The P-2 visa covers artists and entertainers who wish to be admitted through a reciprocal exchange program between a foreign and U.S.-based organizations that are engaged in the temporary exchange of artists and entertainers.
  • P-3 Visa: The P-3 visa covers artists and entertainers who will perform “under a program that is culturally unique.” The P-3 alien must be coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach in culturally unique events.

P Visa Application Process

The application process for the P visa includes the sponsor and/or applicant filing a petition with the USCIS. The application waiting period will fluctuate but in general, is several months. The USCIS offers an option for premium processing. For a $1,225 fee, the USCIS will process the petition in 15 days. It is imperative that you get the application right. As with all types of immigration paperwork, even relatively small errors can lead to serious delays or even an outright denial. If you have any specific questions or concerns about the P visa application process, contact an experienced Dallas, TX immigration lawyer for help. 

What is Included in a P-1 Visa Petition?

Similar to other types of employment-based visas, a P-1 visa application must be filed with support from a qualifying sponsor, such as a U.S. employer or U.S. agency. When filed on behalf of an athlete, entertainer, group, or team, a P-1 visa application should include strong, compelling evidence of participation in a qualifying sport, event, or performance. For athletic teams, there must be evidence that their sport/event is recognized in the United States. For entertainers, there must be a strong case that U.S. industry groups and/or entertainment recognizes the high skill level or commercial success of the performance. P visas are reserved for those individuals/team members that are deemed to be “outstanding” in their field.  

You Can Rely on Texas Immigration Attorney Karen-Lee Pollak

The P visa application process is complicated. An experienced attorney can make the difference.  Our managing attorney Karen-Lee Pollak and experienced immigration support team works with the sponsor and/or applicant to submit the most complete and thorough petition, which emphasizes the applicant’s education, qualifications, and experience. Among other things, our Dallas P visa lawyer will: 

  • Listen to your story and answer your question;
  • Handle all of the immigration paperwork; and
  • Help you overcome obstacles that may stand in your path.   

In addition, Pollak PLLC knows the processes and procedures to work with various government agencies to ensure the best possible outcome. With a commitment to personalized representation, our Dallas P visa lawyer will put in the time and resources to ensure that your case is handled the right way. 

Call Our Dallas, TX P Visa Attorney for Immediate Help 

At Pollak PLLC, our Dallas immigration lawyer has the professional skills and legal experience to handle the full range of P visa cases. If you have any questions about P visas, we can help. Call us at (214) 307-5510 or contact us online for a fully confidential, no commitment consultation. With an office in Dallas, we provide immigration law services throughout North Texas, including in Fort Worth, Arlington, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Richardson, and Garland.

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