P-1B P-1B A Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	P-1B entertainment group member
Purpose	Temporary group performances
Initial stay	Event period, up to one year
Extensions	Up to one-year increments
Cost	Appropriate Form I-129 fee
Eligibility timing	Group established at least one year
Work rights	Petition-based employment
Study	Not stated in the source
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Spouse and children may receive P-4
Visa record	Form I-129 petition
Dependents’ work rights	Not permitted
Dependents’ study rights	School or college permitted

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Purpose

The P-1B classification is for people coming temporarily to the United States to perform as members of an internationally recognized entertainment group.

Individual entertainers performing outside a group are not eligible.

Eligibility

The entertainment group must:

• Have been established for at least one year.
• Be internationally recognized as outstanding for a sustained and substantial period.
• Have at least 75% of members with a substantial, sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.
• Be recognized based on the group’s reputation, not individual members’ achievements or a particular production.

International recognition means a level of achievement renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.

Special provisions

• Circus performers and essential circus personnel: Exempt from the one-year and international-recognition requirements if joining a nationally recognized circus.
• Certain nationally known groups: The international-recognition requirement may be waived where special circumstances exist and the group has sustained national recognition as outstanding.

Application and Petition Process

A U.S. employer, U.S. sponsoring organization, U.S. agent, or foreign employer through a U.S. agent must file Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker.

If an agent files for multiple employers, the agent must establish authorization to act for all employers.

After USCIS approves the petition, the beneficiary may apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Required Evidence

The Form I-129 petition must include:

• Appropriate filing fee and supporting documents.
• Written consultation from an appropriate labor organization.
• Performance itinerary showing dates and locations.
• Written contract, or summary of oral employment terms.
• Evidence the group has been established and performed regularly for at least one year.
• Petitioner statement listing each group member and regular employment dates.
• Evidence of international recognition.

If no appropriate labor organization exists, the consultation requirement is excused.

International-recognition evidence

Provide evidence of significant international awards or nominations, or at least three of the following:

• Leading or starring performances in distinguished productions or events.
• International recognition and acclaim in major publications.
• Leading or starring services for distinguished organizations or establishments.
• Major commercial or critically acclaimed success.
• Significant recognition from critics, organizations, government agencies, or experts.
• High salary or substantial comparable remuneration.

Stay and Extensions

Situation	Maximum period
Initial stay	Time needed, up to one year
Extension	Up to one-year increments

Extensions may be granted to continue or complete the event, competition, or performance.

Form I-129 is also used for a change of status, extension of stay, or change of employment.

Change of Employer

A new employer must file a new Form I-129 requesting permission to employ you and extend your stay.

You may not begin work for the new employer until USCIS approves the petition.

Family Members

Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may obtain P-4 status.

P-4 dependents:

• May not work.
• May attend school or college.

Essential Support Personnel

Essential support personnel may qualify for P-1 classification if they are integral to the P-1 entertainer’s performance and provide services that cannot readily be performed by a U.S. worker.

Examples include:

• Front office personnel
• Camera operators
• Lighting technicians
• Stage personnel

A separate Form I-129 is required for each support person. The petition must include:

• Labor organization consultation.
• Statement describing the person’s essential skills and experience.
• Written contract or summary of oral employment terms.