The P-3 classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to perform, teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique.
Eligibility Criteria
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 that will further the understanding or development of your art form. The program may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature.
Application Process
A U.S. employer or U.S. sponsoring organization must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker. For more information about the Form I-129, see the Form 1-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker page.
The required conditions for a petitioner can be found in the memorandum Requirements for Agents and Sponsors Filing as Petitioners for the O and P Visa Classifications. (PDF, 890 KB)
Supporting Documents
Your Form I-129 must include the following documents:
- Written consultation from an appropriate labor organization.
- A copy of any written contract between the petitioner and the beneficiary or the summary of the terms of an oral agreement between the petitioner and the beneficiary under which you will be employed
- An explanation of the event or activities, the beginning and ending dates for the events or activities, and a copy of any itinerary
- Affidavits, testimonials or letters from recognized experts attesting to the authenticity of your or your group’s skills in performing, presenting, coaching or teaching the unique and traditional art forms and giving the credentials of the expert including the basis of his or her knowledge of your or your group’s skills; OR documentation that your or your group’s performance is culturally unique as evidenced by reviews in newspapers, journals or other published materials
- Documentation that all of the performances or presentations will be culturally unique events.
- Note: If the events or performances will take place in multiple locations, an itinerary must be submitted. The itinerary must list the dates and locations of the events.
