Extraordinary Ability, Artists & Entertainers (O/P)

The O-1 visa is for individuals with extraordinary abilities in their fields, while the P-1 visa is for internationally recognized athletes, entertainers, and artists and their support personnel.

Extraordinary ability  (O-1)

The O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa category designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the fields of science, arts, education, business, or athletics. It allows individuals to temporarily work in their respective fields in the U.S. for a specific employer or project.

To qualify for an O-1 visa, applicants must provide evidence of their extraordinary abilities and achievements in their field, such as receiving prestigious awards, recognition from experts in their industry, or a high salary. They must also demonstrate that they have a job offer or contract to work in the U.S.

The O-1 visa has several subcategories, including O-1A for individuals with extraordinary abilities in sciences, education, business, or athletics, and O-1B for individuals with extraordinary abilities in the arts or motion picture industry. There is also a separate category for O-2 visas, which are for essential support personnel accompanying O-1 visa holders.

Performers (P-1)

The P-1 visa is a visa category designed for internationally recognized athletes, entertainers, and artists, as well as their essential support personnel. It allows individuals or groups to temporarily enter the U.S. to perform in a specific athletic competition, entertainment event, or artistic performance.

The P-1 visa has two main subcategories: P-1A and P-1B. The P-1A visa is for individual athletes or athletic teams that are internationally recognized and coming to the U.S. to participate in a specific athletic competition. The P-1B visa is for internationally recognized entertainment groups or artists, such as music bands, dance troupes, or theater companies, who are coming to the U.S. to perform.

To qualify for a P-1 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved significant recognition in their field and have a sustained level of international acclaim. They must also provide evidence of their planned performance or competition in the U.S., including contracts, itineraries, and supporting documentation.

The P-1 visa is typically granted for the duration of the specific event or performance, with a maximum initial period of stay of up to one year.