Visa Focus Friday

Welcome to Visa Focus Friday, where we spotlight key employment-based visas in U.S. immigration. Each week, we provide insights into visa categories for foreign workers, helping to navigate the complexities of the immigration process. 

Visa Focus Friday: The P-2 Visa – For Artists and Entertainers Performing in the U.S.

This week, we are highlighting the P-2 visa, a vital nonimmigrant option for artists and entertainers coming to the United States as part of a reciprocal exchange program.  The P-2 visa allows talented individuals from around the world to share their craft with U.S. audiences while participating in international cultural collaborations.

Whether you are part of a musical group, a theatrical production, or a dance troupe, the P-2 visa may be the pathway that brings your performance to the American stage.

Key Facts about the P-2 Visa:

Purpose and Eligibility – The P-2 visa is specifically designed for individual performers or members of a group who are entering the United States to perform under a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program between a U.S. organization and one in another country. Both solo artists and groups may qualify.

Eligible performers must:

• Be entering the U.S. through a recognized cultural exchange agreement
• Possess skills comparable to those of U.S. performers in the same field
• Have a sponsoring labor organization involved in the reciprocal program

Application Process – The process begins when a U.S.-based sponsor files Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  The petition must include:

• A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement
• A detailed itinerary of performances or events
• Evidence of the performer’s qualifications and experience
• A written consultation from an appropriate labor union

If the petition is approved, the foreign national must then apply for a P-2 visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.

Duration of Stay – The initial period of stay is granted for the duration of the performance or event, up to one year.  Extensions may be requested in increments of up to one year to continue or complete the event or performance.  P-2 visa holders may also travel in and out of the United States during the validity period of their visa.

Support Staff – Essential support personnel who are an integral part of the performance—such as stage managers, lighting technicians, or costume designers—may also qualify for P-2 classification if they can demonstrate their critical role in the success of the performance.

Family Members – Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 may accompany the principal P-2 visa holder under P-4 status.  While P-4 dependents cannot work in the United States, they may study full-time or part-time for the duration of their stay.

Why the P-2 Visa Matters – The P-2 visa fosters international artistic exchange, enriching U.S. cultural life while providing opportunities for foreign talent to collaborate, grow, and gain exposure on an international platform.  For performers and artists, the P-2 visa is not only a work authorization—it is a gateway to expanding their creative reach and sharing their voice with new audiences.

At Stommes Immigration, we understand the importance of accurate and timely visa preparation for touring artists and cultural institutions.  Whether you are managing a global tour or a single U.S. performance, our team can help ensure your immigration process runs smoothly from petition to curtain call.

If you are considering a P-2 visa or need support preparing your application, contact us today at [email protected].  We are here to help you take the stage—legally and confidently.

Stay tuned for next week’s Visa Focus Friday, where we continue to explore the U.S. immigration pathways that power the global workforce.