P-2 P-2 Individual Performer or Part of a Group Entering to Perform Under a Reciprocal Exchange Program

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	P-2 nonimmigrant classification
Purpose	Reciprocal exchange performances
Initial stay	Event duration, up to one year
Extension	Up to one-year increments
Cost	Not stated in the source
Eligibility timing	Temporary performance engagement
Work rights	Approved P-2 employment only
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 unmarried children under 21
Family work rights	P-4 dependents cannot work
Family study rights	P-4 dependents may study
Visa record	Form I-129 petition required
Petitioner	U.S. employer or labor organization

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Purpose

The P-2 classification is for artists or entertainers entering the United States temporarily, individually or as part of a group, to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between U.S. and foreign organizations.

Essential support personnel may also qualify where they are integral to the performance and their services cannot readily be performed by a U.S. worker.

Eligibility

You must:

• Enter through a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program.
• Have skills comparable to U.S. artists or entertainers participating in the exchange outside the United States.
• Have employment terms and conditions similar to those of the U.S. exchange artist or entertainer.

USCIS lists five negotiated reciprocal agreements:

• American Federation of Musicians (U.S.) and American Federation of Musicians (Canada).
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and Canadian Actors’ Equity Association.
• Actor’s Equity Association (U.S.) and British Actors’ Equity Association.
• International Council of Air Shows and Canadian Air Show Association.
• ACTRA and SAG-AFTRA.

USCIS may review other reciprocal agreements for compliance with the regulatory standard.

Application Process

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

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

After petition approval, apply for the visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa issuance and processing fee information is available from the Department of State.

Required Evidence

The Form I-129 must include:

• Written consultation from an appropriate labor organization.
• Formal reciprocal exchange agreement copy.
• Sponsoring organization statement about the specific exchange.
• Evidence of comparable skills and similar employment terms.
• Evidence that an appropriate U.S. labor organization negotiated or concurred with the exchange.

If performances occur in multiple areas, submit an itinerary listing event dates and locations.

Stay and Extensions

• Initial stay: Time needed to complete the event, competition, or performance, up to one year.
• Extensions: Up to one-year increments 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.

Changing Employers

You may change employers only after the new employer files a new Form I-129 requesting permission to employ you and extend your stay.

You cannot 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:

• Cannot work.
• May attend school or college.

Essential Support Personnel

Support personnel may qualify for P-2 classification if they are integral to the artist’s or entertainer’s performance and provide services not readily performed by a U.S. worker. This may include stagehands, trainers, or people with critical knowledge of the required services.

The U.S. employer must file a separate Form I-129 for each support person, including:

• Labor organization consultation.
• Statement of the person’s critical skills and experience with the P-2 artist or entertainer.
• Written employment contract, or summary of an oral agreement.