P-2 Visa Service

The P-2 visa is issued to artists or entertainers—either individuals or members of a group—who are coming temporarily to the United States to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between a U.S. organization and an organization in another country.

To qualify, P-2 visa applicants must possess skills comparable to those of U.S. performers participating in the reciprocal program abroad. These visas are commonly issued to bands, troupes, or groups coming to the U.S. as part of an officially recognized cultural exchange. These exchanges support healthy global cultural collaboration and offer immense value to international communities through art, music, and performance.

P-2 Visa Necessary Elements

To be eligible for a P-2 visa, the following conditions must be met:

• The applicant must be a qualified artist or entertainer.

• The applicant may be an individual or part of a group invited to participate in a recognized reciprocal exchange program.

• The applicant must possess comparable skills to U.S. artists participating abroad.

• The applicant may need to meet specific health and character requirements.

• There must be a U.S. sponsor—employer, organization, or agent—supporting their participation in the exchange.

Application Procedure

To apply for a P-2 Visa, a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsoring labor organization must file Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker. If an agent files on behalf of multiple employers, proper authorization must be demonstrated. For further clarity, refer to the USCIS memorandum titled “Requirements for Agents and Sponsors Filing as Petitioners for the O and P Visa Classifications.”

Required Documentation

Applicants or their sponsors must submit the following:

• Proof of the reciprocal agreement between U.S. and foreign organizations

• A letter describing the nature of the exchange

• A copy of the formal exchange agreement

• A written consultation from a relevant U.S. labor organization

• Evidence showing the skills and employment conditions are comparable between U.S. and foreign artists

• Confirmation that a U.S. labor organization has participated in or endorsed the exchange

• A detailed itinerary, if performances occur in multiple locations

Family Status

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 of P-2 visa holders may apply for P-4 status. While P-4 dependents cannot work in the U.S., they are permitted to attend school or college.

Support Personnel

Essential support personnel who are integral to the performance and provide services that cannot be easily replaced by U.S. workers are also eligible for P-2 classification. This may include trainers, stagehands, or technical staff with specialized skills or knowledge.

The U.S. employer must file a separate Form I-129 for each support person, along with:

• A written labor consultation

• A statement outlining the person’s critical skills and experience

• A copy of the employment contract or a summary of the oral employment agreement

Atlanta Immigration Services is committed to helping you secure P-2 visas with confidence, ensuring a smooth application journey for performers, support staff, and their families.