The P visa category covers athletes, entertainers and cultural performers. There are three different visa classifications within this category. P-1 visas are for athletes and group entertainers that have been internationally recognized as outstanding for a long and continuous period of time. P-2 visas are for entertainers that are a part of reciprocal international exchanges. P-3 visas are for persons coming to teach or coach as artists or entertainers, individually or as part of a group, under a program that is culturally unique. P visas are also available to essential support personnel. P-4 visas are available to the spouses and children of P-1, P-2 and P-3 visa holders.

The P-1A classification applies to an alien coming to the U.S. temporarily 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.

The P-1B classification applies to an alien coming temporarily to perform as a member of a foreign-based entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time. This person also must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group (ordinarily for at least one year) and/or provide functions integral to the group's performance.

The validity of the P-1 visa varies, as visa holders are admitted for the time necessary to complete their event, competition, or performance. However, P-1A athletes may be admitted for a period of up to 5 years, with one extension up to 5 years, and P-1B entertainment group members may not exceed 1 year.

The P-2 classification applies to a person coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the U.S. and an organization in another country.

P-2 visas are granted for the time necessary to complete the event up to 1 year and extensions for a similar period.

The P-3 classification is for artists or entertainers, individually or as a group, coming to the U.S. 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 P-3 visa holder must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a commercial or noncommercial cultural event which will further understanding or development of his or her art form.

P-3 visas are granted for the time necessary to complete the event up to 1 year and extensions for a similar period.

Please be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection ("CBP") has authority to deny admission at the port of entry to any applicant who is inadmissible under Immigration & Nationality Act, even if the applicant has a visa! Also, the CBP, not the consular officer, determines the period for which the bearer of a temporary work visa is authorized to remain in the United States. At the port of entry, CBP officials issue Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which will indicate the length of stay permitted. The decision to grant or deny a request for extension of stay, however, is made solely by the USCIS.

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