What we handle
Individual artists, groups and the people who travel with them.
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O-1B petitions
For individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, or extraordinary achievement in film and television.
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P-1B petitions
For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.
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P-2 and P-3 petitions
Reciprocal exchange programs, and artists in culturally unique programs.
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Support personnel
O-2 and P support petitions for crew, accompanists and others essential to the performance.
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Agent petitions and itineraries
Petitions filed by a U.S. agent for multiple engagements with several employers.
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Consultation letters
The advisory opinion from a peer group or labor organization that USCIS requires.
How the process works
Five steps. File early: USCIS accepts these petitions up to one year before the work starts.
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Choose the visa and the petitioner
We decide between O-1B and a P category, and who files: a U.S. employer, or a U.S. agent for several engagements.
Who: the artist, the agent and the firm
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Build the evidence
Reviews, awards, box office or sales, and letters from people in the field. For a group, evidence of its international recognition.
Who: the artist supplies; the firm organizes
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Obtain the consultation
A written advisory opinion from an appropriate peer group or labor organization. We request it and allow time for it.
Who: the firm
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File Form I-129
The petition goes in with the contracts or a summary of terms, the itinerary and the consultation.
Who: the firm files for the petitioner
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Visa and entry
After approval, artists outside the United States apply for the visa at a consulate and enter for the period approved.
Who: the consulate; the firm prepares the artist
Which visa fits
The choice turns on whether the recognition belongs to the person or the group.
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O-1B
An individual of extraordinary ability
For an artist with distinction in the field, shown by awards, reviews and the standing of past engagements.
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P-1B
A recognized group
For a group recognized internationally for a sustained period. Most members must have been with the group for at least a year.
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P-3
A culturally unique program
For artists who perform, teach or coach in a traditional ethnic, folk or cultural art form.
Representative matters
A few recent matters, described without client names.
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Orchestra
P-1B approval for a chamber orchestra’s North American tour, with O-2 approval for its touring technicians.
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Dancer
O-1B approval through a U.S. agent for a choreographer with engagements at four companies over two years.
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Film
O-1B approval for a cinematographer under the extraordinary achievement standard for film and television.
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Folk
P-3 approval for a traditional music ensemble performing and teaching at cultural festivals.
Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case turns on its own facts.
Common questions
How far ahead should we file?
As early as the dates are known. USCIS accepts the petition up to a year ahead, and the consultation letter can take weeks.
Can an O-1 artist work for more than one employer?
Yes, through a petition filed by a U.S. agent with an itinerary of all the engagements.
Can a band member who just joined come on the P-1B?
Some can. The one-year rule applies to most members, with exceptions for replacements and essential members. We check each person.