VISA FOR ENTERTAINERS & ATHLETES :-

Overview of P visa
Overview of O visa
P visa Vs. O visa
What we can do to help?

Overview - P Visa :

The P categories of visa such as P-1, P-2, P-3 are for non immigrants who will be coming to the US to perform in athletics or  entertainment.

Obtaining a P visa can take several months. Fortunately, premium processing is available. P applicant must use "premium processing" many times in order to be able to make it to the event or competition in time. As such visas are not issued overnight, it is advisable to plan ahead in order to obtain a P visa.

P visa holders are generally admitted according to the duration of a specific competition, event or performance. Therefore, it is very important to have a detailed schedule of events. Longer the schedule of events, the longer the admission will be. Moreover, if the  contract is signed just for 1 year, your authorized stay may be just for 1 year even if the schedule of events is for longer than 1 year.

P visa holder may arrive temporarily into the US, intending to depart voluntarily at the end of the authorized stay, and at the same time, may lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the US. Applying for permanent residence is not applicable for support personnel.

If P visa holder is terminated, other than voluntary resignation, the US employer and/or the US agent must pay the costs of transportation back to the home country of P visa holder.

Overview - O Visa :

The O-1 temporary worker visa status is designated for “individuals” of  extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, arts or athletics and individuals of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture and television industries. The applicant (usually the sponsor) must provide documentation to prove that the individual’s ability has been demonstrated through sustained national or international acclaim. The United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) makes the final decision on whether or not the individual qualifies for the O-1 classification. O-1 visas are valid initially for up to 3 years. There is the possibility of additional extensions in one year increments to continue the same work.

Eligibility requirements
     
To qualify as an individual of extraordinary ability the department must provide evidence of the applicant's having received a major internationally recognized award, such as the Nobel Prize OR at least three of the following:
       
Receipt of lesser nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field.

Membership in associations in the field which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized experts in the field.
       
Evidence of authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media.
       
Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the applicant's work.
       
Evidence of participation on a panel, or individually, as the judge of  the work of others in the field.
       
Evidence in the form of 5 or 6 letters from prominent colleagues who can confirm the applicant's original scientific or scholarly contributions of major significance to the field.

Evidence of employment in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation.
       
Evidence of commanding a high salary or other compensation for services.
       
This category does not usually apply to academic positions.             

P Visa vs. O Visa :

Eligibility standards for P visa are lower than that for O visa. However, P visa is limited to certain artists, entertainers and athletes. On the other hand, O visa holders may engage in the fields of arts, athletics, business, education, science, or in motion picture and television productions.

P visa workers must seek to enter the US temporarily and are required to have a residence abroad that they don't intend to abandon. O1 visa worker don't have to maintain a residence abroad.

O visa usually allows the holders to stay longer than P visa.

What we can do to help :

• Provide you an estimate of costs involved (i.e. filing fees, attorney fees & costs);
• Provide you with a checklist of documents required for preparing your case;
• Prepare the necessary applications along with all necessary attachments & supplements;
• Submit the application(s) to the proper government agencies;
• Co-ordinate correspondence with government agencies;
• Advise you on an on-going basis of the progress of your case;
• Intimate you forthwith on receipt of approval of your petition;
• Assist in preparing documents required by the consulate in the foreign country;
• Advise on steps to be taken after arrival in the US;
• Provide you a copy of all papers filed.