P-1 Visas are for individuals who is are internationally recognized professional athletes or members of an entertainment group. A consultation letter from a recognized peer group stating they have no objection to the applicant’s entry to the U.S. is required. A P-1 visa may be for an initial period of up to 5 years and may be renewed for a total P-1 stay of 10 years.
P-2 Visas are for individuals who are seeking to enter the U.S. as professional athletes or entertainers to perform under reciprocal exchange programs. The term of the P-2 visa is for the duration of the program, in one year increments.
P-3 Visas are for individuals who are seeking to enter the U.S. as professional athletes or entertainers to perform in culturally unique programs. The term of the P-3 visa is for the duration of the program, in one year increments.
P-4 Derivative Visas are available for spouses and minor children of P-visa holders. P-4 visa holders may attend school but may not be employed as a P-4 visa holder.
P-1 Visa for Athletes Expanded. On 12/9/06 the House passed the Creating Opportunities for Minor League Professionals, Entertainers, and Teams through Legal Entry (COMPETE) Act of 2006 (S. 3821), following passage by the Senate on 12/6/06. Once the President signs the bill into law, S. 3821 will expand P-1 nonimmigrant visa access to allow certain categories of athletes to perform or compete in the U.S.
The COMPETE Act amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to enlarge the scope of P-1 nonimmigrant visas to include: (1) a professional athlete; (2) a person who performs as an athlete, coach, or part of a team that is located in the United States and is a member of certain amateur foreign leagues or associations from which a significant number of individuals are drafted by major sports leagues or their minor league affiliates; and (3) a professional or amateur athlete who performs individually or as part of a group in a theatrical ice skating production coming to the United States in a specific ice skating production or tour. Currently P-1 visas are limited to athletes performing at an “internationally recognized level of performance.”