WORK VISAS TO THE UNITED STATES

CULTURAL EXCHANGE ARTIST/ENTERTAINER VISA TO THE UNITED STATES

Persons are eligible for the Cultural Exchange Artist/Entertainer Visa if he or she performs as an artist or entertainer individually or as part of a group or is an integral part of the performance, and seeks to enter the United States temporarily to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an international organization.

The applicant must show that he or she is entering the United States to perform temporarily under a reciprocal exchange program between a US organization and a foreign organization, and that the exchange is between a similar calibre of employees.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE ARTIST/ENTERTAINER VISA (P-2) BASIC REQUIREMENTS

The Cultural Exchange Artist/Entertainer Visa requires prospective sponsors or employers to file an application on behalf of the visa applicants to enter the United States. To qualify, applicants must be seeking to enter the United States in order to perform under a reciprocal exchange program as an individual, as a part of a group or as an integral part of the performance. The applicant must provide documentation regarding the exchange program and that he has the necessary comparable skills with the other artists and entertainers. Applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

CULTURAL EXCHANGE ARTIST/ENTERTAINER VISA (P-2) ENTITLEMENTS

The applicant is entitled to stay in the United States for the time necessary to complete the event up to one year with extensions for a similar period. Although applicants must have a foreign residence that they do not intend to abandon, applicants under this category can also have dual intent, meaning the applicant can maintain P-2 visa status while applying for a US Green Card to remain in the US permanently.

Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the visa holder in the United States may obtain the relevant visa. This will allow spouses and children to study in private or public schools in the United States without the need to obtain a Study Visa. Spouses and children may apply for work authorization if seeking employment for their duration of stay in the United States.