P-3 Visa for Culturally Unique Performing Artists, Teachers, Coaches

A P-3 visa is a nonimmigrant (temporary) visa to the United States. It is available to artists or entertainers who will be coming to the U.S., either individually or as part of a group, to develop, interpret, represent, teach, or coach in a program that's culturally unique.

For example, folk singers (performing music that's native to their home country) and ethnic dancers commonly receive P-3 visas.

There are no country-specific quotas for this visa nor any annual cap on the number of P-3 visas that can be issued.

P-3 Visa Application Process

To apply for a P-3 visa, you must first have an offer of work from a U.S. employer. The employer must file what's called a "visa petition" on Form I-129 (including the attached Form I-129 O/P Supplement). This form is issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If you're already in the U.S. in valid visa status, your employer can, along with this petition, also submit Form I-539 asking that your status be changed to P-3.

USCIS will send its approval on Notice of Action Form I-797, to your sponsoring employer. If you are already in the United States, you can start working as soon as your employer gets this notice.

If you're outside the U.S., then after receiving USCIS approval, you'd need to take the approval notice to the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy and apply for the P-3 visa, after having filled out State Department Form DS-160 online.

If you're from Canada, however, you can simply come to the U.S. with your passport and the USCIS approval notice.

P-3 Visa Documents Needed

The visa petition for a P-3 visa must be filed with USCIS by your U.S. employer or agent or your foreign employer through a U.S. agent, and accompanied by the following documents:

• if you're already in the U.S. and requesting a change of status, a copy of your I-94 or other proof of lawful entry and unexpired status
• if you're coming from outside the U.S., a copy of your passport
• an explanation of the event and itinerary
• affidavits, testimonials or letters from recognized experts attesting to the authenticity of your or your group's skills in performing, presenting, coaching or teaching the unique and traditional art forms and giving the credentials of the expert including the basis of his or her knowledge of your or your group’s skills; OR documentation that your or your group’s performance is culturally unique as evidenced by reviews in newspapers, journals, or other published materials, and
• documentation that all of the performances or presentations will be culturally unique events.

When you visit the U.S. consulate, you'll need to bring not only your USCIS approval notice and receipt for having filled out Form DS-160, but:

• a passport-style photo of yourself, and
• your valid passport.

P-3 Visa Fees and Costs

The initial visa petition must be accomanied by a fee to USCIS, the amount of which can be found on the I-129 and (if applicable) I-539 pages linked to above. At the U.S. consulate, you'll need to pay a visa processing fee, which can be found on the "Fees for Visa Services" page of the State Department website.

P-3 Visa Limitations

Here's what to know in order to enjoy the benefits of your P-3 visa and stay in valid visa status while in the United States:

• The P-3 visa will be granted for the length of time needed for a particular event, tour, or season, up to a maximum of one year.
• You cannot change jobs on a P-3 visa: You must work only for the employer who petitioned for you. If you want to change employers, you will need to obtain a new visa sponsored by your new employer.
• Your support personnel who are integral parts of the success of your performance an event may be granted P-3 visas as well.
• Your dependants (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) can enter the United States on a P-4 visa. They cannot work in the United States but can engage in full time study.

P-3 Visa Extension Possibility

USCIS may grant extensions of your status of up to one year at a time in order for you to continue or complete the same event or activity for which you were admitted. To apply for an extension, your employer must use USCIS Form I-129 again.

P-3 Visa Conversion to Permanent Residence

There is no direct path from a P-3 visa to a green card. However, you are not required to maintain a residence abroad while on a P-3 visa, and if you become eligible for a green card, you can apply for adjustment of status within the United States.