P-1 Visas for Entertainers & Team Athletes in NJ
One of the aspirations as an athlete or a performer is to have people acknowledge your talent. You might desire to fly from one country to another to exhibit your potential!
The US government developed a specific US non-immigrant visa to strengthen persons’ diversity in entertainment, sports, performances, and culture. The P visa promotes travel to the US by globally renowned athletes, entertainment bands, performers, and cultural coaches. To secure their travel and the times of their performances and shows, they need to file for a P-1 visa.
Our esteemed immigration lawyer is committed to helping clients get lawful entry into the country. We won’t allow inaccurate or insufficient visa applications to risk the long training these individuals need to perform on an international stage! Call New Jersey P-1 visa attorney now for a 15-minute free consultation!
Why do I need a P-1 Visa Attorney in Princeton, NJ?
As an internationally recognized entertainer or athlete, a P1 visa attorney can assist you in dealing with the following issues:
- Preparation and submission of a P-1 visa application packet, which may include forms, testimony letters, evaluations, event or performance information, and other materials depending on the applicant’s qualifications
- Strategic advice on how to satisfy the P-1 visa requirements,
- Supervision of your case so each piece of evidence guarantees that there are no mistakes.
- Provision of a detailed attorney cover letter highlighting all the legal requirements, the P-1 visa applicant’s background, and how the applicant gets to meet all of the requirements based on their qualifications.
If you want to apply for a P-1 visa, contact Inderjit K. Sidhu Esq. LLC today to speak with our P-1 visa lawyers in Princeton, New Jersey! We offer quality immigration service to satisfy your needs!
What Is a P-1 Visa?
The P-1 visa is given to individuals or teams of athletes to participate in various athletic programs in the United States and to promote themselves, their team, and their sport. It is also intended for entertainers to participate in various entertainment programs, competitions, or other activities.
The P1 visa is split into two visas because it focuses on two different groups:
- The P1-A visa is intended for internationally acknowledged sportsmen and women or athletic teams.
- The P1-B visa is intended for individuals or members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.
However, the two types of visas do have several common rules:
- Athletes or entertainers must have two or more members if applying for a visa.
- Musical bands with one solo artist and other supporting musicians qualify.
- The group must have been established at least a year ago, and at least 3/4 members of the team must have been a part of it for at least a year. Teams that have only recently been created can have difficulty meeting the criteria and showing their worth.
Our experienced immigration lawyer can help you with any immigration process, like visa application. Call us or visit our Princeton office in New Jersey today!
International Recognition is a Requirement
Individual and group athletes and entertainers must have received national or international recognition to qualify for the P-1A or P-1B visa. They can travel to the United States to compete for cash or prizes.
Staff or essential personnel needed for the athletes’ or entertainers’ performances and acts are also eligible for a P1 visa.
The P1 visa entitles its holder to participate in athletic seasons, entertainment events, tours, sports tournaments, and other projects. They can also pursue part-time studies while in the United States.
However, there is one restriction for those who are part of a team. Individual performances by athletes or entertainers in groups are not permitted in the United States. If you are granted a P1 visa to perform with your team, you must do so with them and not alone.
Any immigration process can be tiring for our clients, and we are here to help. Contact us for a quality legal service!
Other Benefits and Uses of P-1 Visa
P-1 visas are usually authorized before a certain competition or performance, but they may be valid for several years. Individual athletes can keep their P-1 visas for up to five years without renewing or reapplying.
P-1 visas allow team and troupe members to stay in the country for up to a year. Besides that, internationally acknowledged individual athletes may participate in different forms of activities under the supervision of their P-1 visas.
Requirements for Getting a P-1 Visa
P1A and P1B have different qualifying conditions. Two of the following conditions must be met by athletes applying for a P1A visa:
P-1 A Visa Requirements
- Athletes must have competed in a college, university, or intercollegiate sports league in the United States.
- Athletes must have won a national or international award for their achievements.
- Athletes must have competed in a competition or event at the national or international level.
- Athletes must have competed in a big sports league in the United States.
- Athletes must have held a high national or international ranking.
P-1 B Visa Requirements
For the P-1B visa or globally renowned entertainment group, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- The entertainer or group earns a high salary and good compensation for their activities.
- The entertainer or group has achieved meaningful success in ratings, records, video, or box office sales.
- The entertainer or group has received compliments from critics, government agencies, or other experts in the field who can prove the individual’s or group’s accomplishments.
- The accomplishments of the entertainer or group have been highlighted in trade journals or major newspapers.
How to Apply for a P 1 Visa in Princeton, NJ
P-1 A Visa for International Athletes
The application process for the P1 visa for athletes or entertainers is nearly the same. The athletes or entertainers cannot initiate the application. A US employer or organization must fund them to perform or compete in the US.
- So, the first step is that the US employer or sponsor will submit a petition and receive approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
- Read the instructions for Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.
- Pay any applicable filing fees; and
- Provide all necessary evidence and supporting documents.
P-1 B Visa for International Entertainers and Groups
The petition for the P1B visa for the individual entertainer or entertainment group with international recognition should be supported by the following records:
- Consultation with a suitable labor organization
- Concrete evidence that the individual or group of entertainers is qualified for the visa and has gained national or international acknowledgment,
- Agreements between the group and the sponsors or summaries of oral and verbal agreement
- The timetable of activities and performances
- Proof of the group’s age status
The process will take 2-8 weeks long. When the petition is authorized, the USCIS will send Form I-797, Notice of Action, to the US sponsors, athletes, and entertainers. Now, the athletes and entertainers can proceed with their visa applications!
If you’re facing any immigration matter, you need a competent immigration attorney to help you legally enter the United States. Contact our New Jersey law office now for sound legal advice!
Steps for Filing for a P1 Visa in Princeton, NJ
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)
The standard form for non-immigrant visa applicants is Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. It will ask about your personal information, background, and reason for visiting the United States. You will receive a confirmation page and a code for your document file when you submit it.
Payment of the Application Fee
The visa application fee is $190 for all P visas. You must pay this fee to proceed with the rest of the application process. Other fees, known as visa issuance fees, could apply in addition to the application fee, depending on your country’s relationship with the US. The amount varies from country to country. Do not forget the receipts; attach them to the documents file after you have paid them!
Prepare for a Visa Interview
All applicants between 14 and 79 who wish to apply for a US non-immigrant visa must attend an interview at the US Embassy. Then, an interview confirmation letter will tell you what things you need to bring on the same day of the interview.
Prepare the Document
When you apply for the P1 visa, you must have your entire file of proper supporting documentation.
Attend the Scheduled Visa Interview
An employee of the United States Embassy will interview for the visa. You must show up on time with your papers. The interviewer will ask about your history and motivation for visiting the US. You must give precise information because the official will refuse your visa if they believe you are hiding information.
This immigration matter may cause stress, so you need the legal service of the best lawyer to ensure a successful filing of a P-1 visa. Do not hesitate to contact us now for help with immigration proceedings!
Call our Experienced P-1 Visa Lawyer in Princeton Now!
Your American Dream is at the end of your fingertips, and our New Jersey Immigration lawyer can help you achieve your desired visa status. If you are a business professional and a talented individual, reach our Business Immigration Lawyers at Inderjit K. Sidhu Esq. LLC!
Our immigration law firm is committed to providing clients with outstanding strategic plans aligned with your goals. Our extensive experience can benefit you in the following legal services:
- Green Card if you want to be a permanent resident of the US,
- Nonimmigrant Visa
- United State Citizenship
Call our immigration lawyers for a 15-minute free consultation on your immigration case, or visit our Princeton office today!
