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P-1 Internationally Recognized Performance Groups

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The P-1 visa is available to members of an internationally recognized entertainment group. The P-1 classification is applicable only to members of foreign-based entertainment groups, not individual entertainers.

 

The P-1 alien must be coming to perform. P-1 classification is not appropriate for entertainers coming primarily to take part in other activities such as promotions and non-performing guest appearances. P-1s can do promotional work, however, it must be related to an actual event in which they are going to perform in the United States.

 

There is a P-1S visa that is available to support personnel such as sound technicians, managers, and other behind the scenes workers that provide essential services to P-1 performers.

 

To qualify for a P-1B visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria: 

 

1.    Be part of a performance group (2 or more people), and not an individual performer.

 

2.    75% of group members must be with the group for 1 year or more (though this requirement may be waivable in some circumstances)

 

3.    Proof that the group has won or been nominated for a significant international award OR that the group meets 3 of the following criteria:

 

  • Evidence that the group has performed, and will perform, as a starring or leading entertainment group in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements;

 

  • Evidence that the group has achieved international recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievement in its field as evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published material;

 

  • Evidence that the group has performed, and will perform, services as a leading or starring group for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;

 

  • Evidence that the group has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as evidenced by such indicators as ratings; standing in the field; box office receipts; record, cassette, or video sales; and other achievements in the field as reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications;

 

  • Evidence that the group has achieved significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts in the field. Such testimonials must be in a form that clearly indicates the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the alien's achievements; or

 

  • Evidence that the group has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services comparable to other similarly situated in the field as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

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What documents can a performance group provide to meet these criteria?

 

Lead and Starring Role in Distinguished Productions or Events

  • Press about the group’s past performances at specific events

  • Advertising or promotional materials with the group’s name or image on them

 

National or International Recognition

  • Articles discussing the group’s awards, nominations, or other recognition

  • Each article must include English translation (if not in English), name of publication, name of article, date of publication, name of the author

  • Must provide circulation figures/viewership statistics for each publication along with background information about the publication

 

Lead and Critical Roles for Distinguished Organization

  • Press about the group’s past work with specific companies or organizations

  • Letters from former supervisors/colleagues attesting to the group’s duties and critical role within the organizations

 

Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success

  • Articles discussing the group’s awards, nominations, or other recognition; and/or

  • Articles stating box office figures, strong TV ratings information, sales information, sold out performances

 

Significant Recognition From Organizations Or Industry Experts

  • Proof of award/nominations or other recognition from organizations

  • Letters discussing the group’s awards, nominations, unique traits and any other achievements

  • Letters must come from “industry experts” with strong credentials in the industry

  • Letters must be accompanied with background information about the writers

 

High Salary

  • Comparative information about earnings in the group’s field in their home country

  • Past or future contracts showing an income that is in the top 10% of earnings according to US Dept of Labor (ask an attorney)

  • Contracts or Pay stubs showing the group earned a high salary

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Please call us at 310-730-5655 or click here for a free consultation. 

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