Last Updated on November 14, 2024
What Is the P-1 Visa?
Internationally known athletes and entertainers use the P-1 visa. As such, the P visa is a rare category.
What Are the P-1 Visa Requirements?
The P-1A visa category is for athletes to perform at a specific event or competition as part of a group or individually. These are the P-1 visa eligibility requirements:
- The beneficiary coming to the U.S. must have achieved significant and international recognition in the sport
- The event must be distinguished and require the participation of an athletic team of international recognition
Please note: An employee must submit Form I-94 if inside the U.S. and applying for an extension or transfer.
How Long Does a P-1 Visa Last?
Individual athletes have an initial stay of five years in the U.S. After those five years, they can apply for renewals. However, the number of extensions is limited. As such, individual athletes have a total stay of 10 years in the U.S.
Athletic groups have an initial stay of one year. After that one year, USCIS grants renewals at its discretion, so the total stay for the athletic group varies.
If the temporary nature of the assignment changes, individual athletes and athletic groups should speak to their attorneys.
How Much Does the P-1A Visa Cost?
The following information reflects current prices for a P-1 visa application, effective Apr. 1, 2024:
Additional visa pricing is available in the fee glossary in our ABCs of Immigration Guide.
Premium Processing for P-1 Visas
When available, employers can pay the $2,805 premium processing fee as of February 26, 2024.
USCIS will adjudicate the P-1A petitions, which means they will approve, issue a Request for Evidence (RFE), or deny the visa petition within 15 calendar days.
What Is the P-3 Visa?
The P-3 visa is reserved for an artist or entertainer coming into the U.S. to be part of a culturally unique program. For example, the petitioner must come to the U.S. individually or as a group. Their purpose should be to develop, coach or teach a unique cultural program, such as:
- Traditional ethnic
- Folk, cultural
- Musical
- Theatrical
- Artistic performance or presentation
Please note that an employee must submit Form I-94 if inside the U.S. and apply for an extension or transfer.
How Long Does a P-3 Visa Last?
Individuals on the P-3 visa have an initial stay of one year. After this first year, individuals may apply for unlimited extensions for up to one year. However, these extensions are limited until the completion of the event or performance.
As such, the total stay for someone on a P-3 visa varies. If the temporary nature of the assignment changes, individuals should speak with their attorney.
How Much Does the P-3 Visa Cost?
- P-3 visa petition filing fee: $460.
- Premium processing: Employers can pay the $1,440 premium processing fee when available. USCIS will adjudicate the P-3 petition within 15 calendar days. USCIS must approve, issue a request for evidence or deny the visa petition within those 15 calendar days.
NOTE: If the foreign national is outside the U.S., they likely will need to apply for a visa to enter the U.S. in the specific visa category prior to entering the U.S. in the specific status.
About Envoy Global and the P-1 Visa Process
Envoy Global helps navigate the complexities of the P-1 visa process through its secure technology platform and partnership with skilled immigration professionals. For more information on simplifying your company’s immigration program and obtaining a P-1 visa for skilled foreign talent, check out our ABCs of Immigration guide.
Envoy is pleased to provide you with this information, which was prepared in collaboration with Corporate Immigration Partners, P.C., a U.S. law firm who provides services through the Envoy Platform (the “U.S. Law Firm”).
Content in this publication is for informational purposes only and not intended as legal advice, nor should it be relied on as such. Envoy is not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. If you would like guidance on how this information may impact your particular situation and you are a client of the U.S. Law Firm, consult your attorney. If you are not a client of the U.S. Law Firm working with Envoy, consult another qualified professional. This website does not create an attorney-client relationship with the U.S. Law Firm.
