Information on Visas for Performing Entertainers and Athletes

New Jersey Immigration Lawyer

The P-1 visa classification allows certain athletes, entertainers, and artists into the United States along with their staff needed for support of the production. Individual visa applicants in the entertainment industry are not eligible for P-1 visas.  Individual athletes are, however, eligible for P-1 visas. For the entertainment industry, a P-1 visa is issued only for a specific event.  Once the event is over, the visa is no longer valid, although the visa can be good for about one year.  Individual athletes may be issued P-1 visas for five years and athletic teams may be issued P-1 visas for a period of six months.  These types of visas are generally easier to get than an O visa for athletes.

There is a large quantity of documentation, which must be in the proper form, required to obtain a P-1 visa. The issues surrounding this area can quickly become confusing and lead to your desired visa being held up or even denied. Using the services of a proven New Jersey immigration attorney to assist you with this short-term visa can make the process simpler and smoother.

The P-1 for athletes requires that the team or individual must be internationally recognized and renowned in more than one country. For P-1 entertainers, they also must be internationally recognized, with the added stipulation that their recognition has been for a sustained and substantial period of time.  Each individual in the group must have been with the group for at least one year.

Need help with a visa situation in New Jersey?

At the Law Offices of Lloyd E. Bennett, Esq., P.C., our firm has been serving the community of New Jersey in all their immigration needs for over 2 decades.  As the federal immigration laws are the same regardless of which state you are in, we can assist in your immigration needs wherever you reside in the U.S. If you require assistance in any family, corporate or citizenship matter, please don't hesitate to use our experienced attorneys. SE HABLA ESPANOL

For effective help with an athlete or entertainer's visa, it is best to contact a New Jersey immigration lawyer from our offices.