Schedule A Telephone,
E-mail, or In-Person
Consultation
E-mail Us Your Questions
Blog Your Questions
and Comments
GERALD CIPOLLA & ASSOCIATES  
IMMIGRATION ATTORNEYS & ATTORNEYS FOR IMMIGRANTS
Outstanding Athletes, Athletic Teams, and Entertainment
Companies: (P1 Visa, P2 Visa, and P3 Visa)

Gerald Cipolla & Associates can represent and assist the following in
obtaining a P Visa:

  • United States companies and agents wanting to bring athletes or
    entertainers to the United States;
  • Entertainers wanting to tour in the United States who are recognized
    as outstanding;
  • Athletes or teams wanting to participate in an athletic even of
    international acclaim;
  • Artists entering the U.S. through a recognized reciprocal exchange
    program;
  • Artists and entertainers entering the United States. to perform in a
    culturally unique program;
  • Coaches to enhance the development or understanding of culturally
    unique art forms;
  • Support personnel of artists and entertainers.


P1 Visa – Athletes, Circus Artists, Entertainers

P1 Visas were designed for athletes, circus artists, and entertainers
coming to the United States individually or as part of a group to perform
at a specific competition or event.  P1 Visas are valid for the length of
time needed to complete a particular event, tour, or season up to a
maximum of one year.  However, P1 Visas for athletes may be admitted
for up to a period of 5 years, and may extend for up to 5 years.  
However, an athlete wanting to stay in the United States for a longer or
extended period may be better suited for a O1 Visa.  

P1 Visa Applicant Requirements

P1 Visas are available for Entertainers, Circus Artists, and Athletes who
are coming to the United States for one of the following:

  • To perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually
    or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of
    performance, or

  • To perform with, or as an integral and essential part of the
    performance of, an entertainment group that has been recognized
    internationally as being outstanding in the discipline for a sustained
    and substantial period of time, and who has had a sustained and
    substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least 1 year)
    and provides functions integral to the performance of the group.

Evidence Required For P1 Visa Athlete Applicants

P1 Visa Athlete Applicants coming to the United States for one of the
above must establish that evidence that he/she has achieved
international recognition in the sport based on his or her reputation by
showing at least two of the following:

  • Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior
    season with a major United States sports league;

  • Evidence of having participated in international competition with a
    national team;

  • Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior
    season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition;

  • A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or
    an official of the governing body of the sport which details how the
    Applicant or team is internationally recognized;

  • A written statement from a member of the sports media or a
    recognized expert in the sport which details how the alien or team is
    internationally recognized;

  • Evidence that the individual or team is ranked if the sport has
    international rankings; or

  • Evidence that the alien or team has received a significant honor or
    award in the sport.

Evidence Required For P1 Visa Entertainer & Circus Artist
Applicants

Entertainers and Circus Artists must show at least three of the following:

  • 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 others similarly situated in the field as evidenced by
    contracts or other reliable evidence.


Contact Gerald Cipolla & Associates for a consultation in determining
whether a P Visa is appropriate for you as the rules and restrictions are
detailed and extremely difficult to navigate.  Alternatively, through our
consultation we may be able to determine if there is a more
advantageous Visa Category for you.  We will examine your situation in
detail and put your best case forward.    


P2 Visa – Participants in Reciprocal Exchange Programs

P2 Visas are available to artists or entertainers individually or as part of
a group temporarily entering the United States to perform under a
reciprocal exchange program between the United States and one or
more other countries.  Essential Personnel and Support Staff are also
qualified for a P2 Visa.  

Evidence Required For P2 Applicants - Artists or Entertainers
P2 Applicants must provide evidence of the following:

  • A copy of the formal reciprocal exchange agreement between the U.
    S. organization or organizations which sponsor the aliens and an
    organization or organizations in a foreign country which will receive
    the U.S. artist or entertainers;

  • A statement from the sponsoring organization describing the
    reciprocal exchange of U.S. artists or entertainers as it relates to the
    specific petition for which P-2 classification is being sought;

  • Evidence that an appropriate labor organization in the United States
    was involved in negotiating, or has concurred with, the reciprocal
    exchange of U.S. and foreign artists or entertainers; and

  • Evidence that the aliens for whom P-2 classification is being sought
    and the U.S. artists or entertainers subject to the reciprocal exchange
    agreement are artists or entertainers with comparable skills, and that
    the terms and conditions of employment are similar;

  • A written consultation by an appropriate labor organization having
    expertise in the field.

Contact Gerald Cipolla & Associates for a consultation in determining
whether a P Visa is appropriate for you as the rules and restrictions are
detailed and extremely difficult to navigate.  Alternatively, through our
consultation we may be able to determine if there is a more
advantageous Visa Category for you.  We will examine your situation in
detail and put your best case forward.    

P3 Visa – Participants in Culturally Unique Groups

P3 Visas are available to artists or entertainers, individually or as a
group, coming to the United States for the purpose of developing,
interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional
ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or
presentation. The program can be of a commercial or non-commecial
nature.  Support personnel of P3 Visa Applicants/Holders are eligible for
P3 Visas.  

Evidence Required For P2 Visa Applicants
Artists or entertainers applying for a P3 Visa must show the following:

  • Affidavits, testimonials, or letters from recognized experts attesting to
    the authenticity of the alien's or the group's skills in performing,
    presenting, coaching, or teaching the unique or traditional art form
    and giving the credentials of the expert, including the basis of his or
    her knowledge of the alien's or group's skill, or;

  • Documentation that the performance of the alien or group is culturally
    unique, as evidenced by reviews in newspapers, journals, or other
    published materials; and

  • Evidence that all of the performances or presentations will be
    culturally unique event.

Contact Gerald Cipolla & Associates for a consultation in determining
whether a P Visa is appropriate for you as the rules and restrictions are
detailed and extremely difficult to navigate.  Alternatively, through our
consultation we may be able to determine if there is a more
advantageous Visa Category for you.  We will examine your situation in
detail and put your best case forward.    

P4 Visa – Accompanying Relatives of P1, P2, and P3 Visa Holders
P4 visas are available to spouses and unmarried children under the age
of 21 of P1, P2, and P3 Visa holders.  The accompanying relatives are
not permitted to work.

Contact Gerald Cipolla & Associates for a consultation in determining
whether a P Visa is appropriate for you as the rules and restrictions are
detailed and extremely difficult to navigate.  Alternatively, through our
consultation we may be able to determine if there is a more
advantageous Visa Category for you.  We will examine your situation in
detail and put your best case forward.  
Legal Notice

Gerald Cipolla & Associates is a Chicago, US based law firm specializing in
immigration law along with protecting and asserting the rights of
immigrants in areas beyond immigration law.  Immigration law is
federal in nature.  Gerald Cipolla & Associates does not claim
expertise in the laws of states or countries other than where our
attorneys are licensed. Gerald Cipolla & Associates retains clients
only after following specifically stated immigration consultation
procedures. The information contained on this website is intended
to provide general education to its users and is not intended to
provide solutions to specific problems, facts, or cases.  Users of this
website are not encouraged to resolve individual immigration issues
on the basis of information contained herein and are strongly
advised to contact an immigration lawyer.  Please contact Gerald
Cipolla & Associates so that we may consult with you based on your
specific immigration issue or other legal issue.  

Copyright © 2007 Gerald Cipolla & Associates -- All Rights Reserved.

Immigration Attorney Chicago



Gerald Cipolla & Associates
3257 N. Sheffield Ave.
Suite 104
Chicago, Illinois 60657  
Phone (773) 687-0549
Fax: (773) 525-4947
info@geraldcipollalaw.com
Work
Visas & Greencards
Investor Visas &
Greencards
Family & Marriage
Visa & Greencards
Student & Scholar Visas
Travel &
Temporary
Business Visas
Citizenship,
Political Asylum,
& Miscellaneous
Deportation &
Detention
Overseas
Business,
Investment, &
Trade Law
Other Practice
Areas