P2 VISA 

The P2 Visa is issued to those individuals who are artists or entertainers by profession, who seek to enter the United States, to take part in a reciprocal exchange program, either individually or as part of a group. Support personnel of these performers also stand eligible for a P2 Visa. These artists and performers make use of the P2 Visa to enter the United States for a temporary period of time, and perform for an American audience. P2 Visa holders also become eligible for part-time study in America, during the course of their stay. 

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR A P2 VISA 

In order to be eligible for a P2 Visa, it is a necessary condition for the artist or entertainer to be a part of a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program. There are five P2 reciprocal agreements that have been settled and worked out between the following organizations. These organizations have been listed below: 

• The American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and the American Federation of Musicians (Canada)
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the Canadian Actors’ Equity Association
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and the British Actors’ Equity Association
• The International Council of Air Shows and the Canadian Air Show Association
• The Alliance of Canadian Cinema Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) and the Screen Actor Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA)

Reciprocal agreements that fall outside of these five agreements are required to be reviewed and approved by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS determines whether the agreement adheres to the regulatory standard. In addition to these agreements, the artists and performers must also possess significantly comparable skills and talents to their potential counterparts in the United States. 

HOW TO APPLY FOR A P2 VISA?

In order to apply for a P2 Visa, the entertainer, artist, or performer must be sponsored by a US based employer, or a sponsoring labor organization. Therefore, the initial application procedure has to be carried out by the US employer, who is required to file a Form 1-129, which is referred to as the Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

After the petition has been filed, the candidate is required to follow the below-mentioned instructions: 

• The application cost must be paid by the sponsor.
• All supporting documents are submitted by the sponsor for the P2 Visa application. 
• In case of approval, the process will be passed on to the National Visa Center which will instruct the artists and performers to duly fill the Form DS-160 and submit it. 
• The candidates pay the required application fee. 
• The candidates need to schedule and attend their visa interview with the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of origin. 
• Candidates receive a decision on their visa application after the completion of the interview. 

WHAT SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS DO I NEED? 

In addition to filing the forms, candidates are required to gather the following supporting documents when applying for a P2 Visa. These important documents are mentioned below: 

• A written consultation from a US based Employer. 
• Copy of the reciprocal exchange agreement between the sponsoring US employer, and the organization located abroad, which will receive the performers. 
• A statement from the US sponsor elaborating on the reciprocal exchange of the artists. 
• Evidence indicating the US employer and the performers are subject to the reciprocal exchange agreement and have comparable abilities. 
• Complete itinerary of events and performances, along with dates and locations.
• Proof of the active involvement of a legitimate US employer.

COST OF APPLYING FOR A P2 VISA

Given below is the list of expenses involved when applying for a P2 Visa: 

• Form I-129 filing fee: $460
• DS-160 Application form fee: $190
• Visa Issuance fee: costs tend to vary depending on the U.S. Consulate or embassy where the visa was issued.
• Premium processing time fee (if required): $2,500

WHY ALWAYS CONSIDER BASICS OF IMMIGRATION?

1. Expert Visa counselors provide Step-by-step guidance through a secure, online process.  
2. Apt evaluation of credentials and faster visa processing. 
3. Identifying all potential hazards and roadblocks in securing a visa. 
4. Assistance with documentation, immigration rules, citizenship, and border control procedures.
5. Multiple case assessment for better conflict resolution.
6. Designated process managers to provide personalized guidance.

Just like the basics of anything act as “building blocks” forming a strong foundation for constructing complex structures. The Basics of Immigration serve as the foundational elements of moving abroad, for any aspiring immigrant.