P-2 Visa in Charleston, SC

Artist & Entertainment Reciprocal Exchange Programs

This is a non-immigrant visa program that enables foreign performers to temporarily come to the U.S. either individually or as part of a group performance between two organizations, one U.S. and one foreign, engaged in a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program. Often symphonies, circuses, etc. travel and perform to exchange and illustrate their diversity and local customs.

Foreign Performer Level of Competency for the P-2 Visa

The foreign performers must document and demonstrate a level of professional skill equal to that of the American performers taking part in the exchange program.

U.S. Sponsor Organization

The sponsor can be a U.S. employer or a labor organization, and an agent may also be utilized. An application is made on USCIS Form I-129 with accompanying documentation, and all required filing fees are paid. A written consultation from an appropriate labor organization must also be filed. Sponsors can be changed, but new filings are required.

Submission Process for the P-2 Visa

Additionally, the application process must:

• Include a signed reciprocal exchange program agreement.
• Statement from the sponsoring organization detailing the foreign artists or entertainers,
• Evidence of comparable skill levels between all the performers,
• Evidence that the appropriate labor organization was involved in negotiating the exchange,
• An itinerary if multiple locations or multiple dates are involved.

Essential Support Personnel & Family Members

Support personnel who are an integral and essential part of the performance can also attend on a separately filed USCIS Form I-129 with similar documentation and upon paying all required filing fees.

Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can also obtain entry under P-4 visas. Naturally, they cannot work but can attend school or college.

Periods of Stay for P-2 Visa Holders

The time needed to complete the performance is up to 1 year of stay, with extensions of up to 1 year.

P-2 Visa Application

A visa application is processed at the local U.S. embassy or consulate. We can help you with these visa needs.