Most foreign musicians must secure either an O or P visa and also comply with a complex and often confusing set of immigration laws.
That’s where Oliva Law Group, P.C. comes in.
Los Angeles Musician Immigration Lawyer
[Visas for Musicians and Entertainers]
Are you looking to enter the United States to work as a musician? You have made that dream a reality by securing a tour, showcase, or other great opportunity.
Foreign musicians and entertainers normally must obtain one of the following:
- O-1 Visa:
Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in the Arts - P-2 Visa:
Reciprocal Exchange Program - P-1B Visa:
Musicians performing as part of an entertainment group - Essential Support Personnel
O-2 or P
O-1 Visas:
Individuals with Extraordinary Ability in the Arts
The O-1 visa is awarded to individuals who have recognized “extraordinary abilities”. The musician can qualify for an O-1 visa based on a variety of significant achievements and recognition.
As your lawyer, we cannot simply claim that you have extraordinary abilities and expect an immediate approval. Instead, certain evidence must be provided to prove your exceptional abilities and/or distinction.
For example, the following must be demonstrated:
- You have won a significant award.
- You have performed under distinguished and respected circumstances.
- You have had commercial success.
- You have received significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field.
- You command a high salary for your work.
The O-1 can be granted initially for up to three years and extensions are permitted. This visa category also can serve as a stepping stone to permanent residence for musicians of extraordinary ability.
Oliva Law Group, P.C. is intimately familiar with the law around O and P visas, including how to best position the “extraordinary abilities” of a particular musician to satisfy the government’s specific and meticulous requirements. Once admitted, I also advise musicians and sponsors on maintaining legal immigration status, and we handle visa renewals, if needed and applicable.
P-2 Visas:
Reciprocal Exchange Program for Canadian Musicians
This type of P2 visa is specific to Canadian entertainers and crew members. The “reciprocal agreement” between Canadian Federation of Musicians and the American Federation of Musicians allows Canadian musicians and crew members to work in the U.S. by applying for a P-2 visa.
P-2 visas are issued in a maximum of one-year increments and require a pre-arranged itinerary, although additional gigs are allowed during the authorized period.
What are the Requirements for the P-2 Visa?
It must be proven that:
- An exchange program exists between the U.S. organization and the foreign organization.
- The people involved in the exchange program are of equal caliber, and will be employed in similar conditions for similar periods of time.
- A person must be highly experienced and possess skills comparable to those of U.S. entertainers or artists in the reciprocal program.
- An appropriate labor organization is involved in negotiating the reciprocal exchange program.
Contact a Los Angeles Immigration Entertainment Attorney
If you are an entertainer from a foreign country and you have the opportunity to record an album, tour, appear at a festival, showcase, or work on other projects in the U.S., you should not delay in contacting me. I understand how to obtain O-1 and P-2 visas for qualified musicians and crew.
When you work with Oliva Law Group, P.C., I will assist you with every stage of the musician visa application process. Please call my office at 213-537-8357 to learn more about visa services today.
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