P-3 P-3 Artist or Entertainer Coming to Be Part of a Culturally Unique Program

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	P-3 classification
Purpose	Culturally unique artistic program
Stay	Up to 1 year
Extensions	Up to 1-year increments
Cost	Not stated in the source
Eligibility timing	Temporary event participation
Work rights	Approved P-3 activities only
Study	P-4 dependents may study
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Travel facility	Not stated in the source
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Spouse and children under 21
Visa record	Form I-129 petition
Employer change	New petition approval required

---

Purpose

The P-3 classification is for artists or entertainers coming temporarily, individually or as a group, to perform, teach, or coach under a culturally unique program.

The program may be commercial or noncommercial.

Eligibility

You must come to the United States to develop, interpret, represent, coach, or teach a unique or traditional:

• Ethnic
• Folk
• Cultural
• Musical
• Theatrical
• Artistic

performance or presentation.

You must also participate in cultural event(s) that further the understanding or development of the art form.

Stay and Extensions

Period	Maximum
Initial stay	Time needed, up to 1 year
Extension	Up to 1 year at a time

Extensions must be needed to continue or complete the event, activity, or performance.

Application

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

Form I-129 may also be used to request a change of status, extension of stay, or change of employment.

An agent filing for multiple employers must establish that it is authorized to act as an agent.

Required Evidence

The Form I-129 must include:

• Written consultation from an appropriate labor organization.
• Written contract, or oral-agreement terms summary.
• Event explanation and itinerary.
• Expert affidavits, testimonials, or letters confirming authentic culturally unique skills; or published reviews showing the performance is culturally unique.
• Evidence that all performances or presentations are culturally unique events.

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

Work and Employer Changes

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

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

Family Members

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

P-4 dependents:

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

Essential Support Personnel

Integral support personnel may qualify for P-3 classification when their services cannot readily be performed by a U.S. worker. This may include coaches, scouts, trainers, team officials, and referees.

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-3 artist or entertainer.
• Written contract or oral-agreement terms summary.

Important Warning

The source does not state visa fees, processing times, travel privileges, health coverage, or a pathway to U.S. citizenship.