P Visa, Alien Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers
Overview:
P visa is non-immigrant temporary worker visa for alien athletes, artists, and entertainers, and their spouses and children.
Statistics:
In fiscal year 2010, USCIS received 30,745 applications for P-1 visa, approved 25,186, denied 5,559, waived or overcome 4,187.
USCIS also received 143 applications for P-2 visa, approved 127, refused 16, waived or overcome 16.
USCIS also received 10,545 applications for P-3 visa, approved 7,183, refused 3,362, waived or overcome 1,767.
USCIS also received 1,246 applications for P-4 visa, approved 1,032, refused 214, waived or overcome 146.
Visa Type:
- P-1A Visa: Internationally Recognized Athlete
- P-1B Visa: A Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
- P-2 Visa: Individual Performer or Part of a Group Entering to Perform Under a Reciprocal Exchange Program
- P-3 Visa: Artist or Entertainer Coming to Be Part of a Culturally Unique Program
- P-4 Visa: Spouse, or child under the age of 21, of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 alien and who is accompanying, or following to join, the alien.
"International Recognition"
USCIS has defined "international recognition" as a "having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country."