Non-Immigrant Visas
Visas for Athletes, Artists and Entertainers
To Whom Does This Apply?
- Any professional entertainer, including musicians, dancers, actors, etc., going to the U.S. to give a public presentation, regardless of whether there is an admission charge
- Any artist going to the U.S. to sell or exhibit works, regardless of whether there is an admission charge
- Any athlete who will be receiving money other than prize money (for example, receiving $1,000 just for participating in a tournament)
What Steps Do I Take?
- Before one of these visas (usually a P or O visa) can be adjudicated, a petition must be filed and approved by the Citizenship and Immigration Service, a branch of the Department of Homeland Security.
- The Embassy must have evidence of the approved petition – a fax is acceptable – before a P or O visa can be issued. We can accept the visa application and hold it “pending” while we await receipt of the approved petition. Alternatively, the applicant can apply for the visa having already secured petition approval.
- Forms and instructions, including where to send the application and payment, are on the CIS website: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-129.pdf
- Once the petition is approved, the applicant schedules a visa appointment.
- Alternatively, if the visa application has been submitted previously, the applicant contacts the Embassy to provide evidence of petition approval and the Embassy processes the case to completion.
How do I make a visa appointment?
See Visa Appointment Guidelines here
I understand petition approval takes several months. What can I do to expedite this process?
You may opt to pay the $1,000 premium processing fee and file form I-907, which provides for petition processing within 15 calendar days: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-907.pdf
Under what circumstances would a B1 visa, issued by Embassy Oslo (or another Embassy, depending on the applicant’s place of residence and physical presence) be sufficient?
- If the applicant is a professional entertainer coming to the U.S. to participate only in a cultural program sponsored by the sending country, in this case, Norway
- Will perform before a non–paying audience
- All expenses, including per diem, are covered by the host government, in this case, the Government of Norway
Can I travel using the Visa Waiver Program?
You can only use the Visa Waiver Program to travel for performances if you meet the three B1 conditions above and the other Visa Waiver conditions. These can be found at our Visa Waiver Program Page