P-1, P-2 & P-3 Visa Attorney

Get Help Obtaining P-1, P-2 or P-3 Visas

The United States offers foreign nationals many programs and opportunities to get experiences they would not be able to get in their home countries.  The P visa program for internationally recognized athletes, entertainers and members of entertainment groups who wish to perform, teach, or compete in the United States, is one way to take advantage of these opportunities.

There are three types of P visas —  P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas — and each type has specific requirements and regulations. They all have the benefit of legal entry to the United States to do something related to your field, but the process of obtaining these visas can be complicated, and mistakes can cause your application to be delayed or denied.

Fortunately, you do not have to go through this process alone. There is help and guidance available from a Lexington, KY, P visa lawyer at Carman Fullerton. Our attorneys can examine your specific situation, explain the different types of visas, and help determine which is right for you. We can guide you through all steps of the visa application process and make sure everything is done properly to help ensure that your application will be successful and you will be accepted into the program you desire in a timely manner.

Why Choose Our P-1, P-2, and P-3 Visa Lawyer?

When seeking legal guidance for a P visa, it is important to find a lawyer who has the skills to make sure you meet necessary qualifications and who can expedite the process and deal with problems and delays that may arise. Here are some reasons why we think Carman Fullerton is your best choice:

  • We are experienced with all aspects of immigration law. Attorney Kirby J. Fullerton and Attorney Dan Carman have many years of experience representing clients involved in immigration cases, including clients who have entered the United States both legally and illegally. Attorney Kirby Fullerton’s practice is focused on immigration law, and he represents clients in cases before the immigration courts and the Board of Immigration Appeals.
  • We are bilingual.  Our staff and attorneys speak Spanish and accommodate speakers of other languages.
  • We are compassionate and do everything possible to make you feel safe, listened to and understood.
  • We are recognized in our field. Dan Carman is a member of various local and national Bar Associations and has previously been named in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.
  • We are local. With an office in Lexington, KY, our attorneys are well-positioned to provide quality, personalized legal service for our communities.
  • We are available 24/7 for client emergencies.

When you have our P visa lawyers on your side, you will benefit from our knowledge, fluency in English, and legal education.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO PROVIDING THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE LEVEL OF SERVICE

P Visa Lawyer Explains the Different Types of Visas

There are subtle differences between P-1, P-2 and P-3 visas, and which one you apply for depends on your individual circumstances.

P-1 Visa Attorney

The P-1 visa is for internationally recognized athletes and teams, and entertainers and members of entertainment groups who wish to perform or compete in the United States. P-1 visas are granted based on the individual’s or group’s recognition and reputation in their field, and only those who have achieved a high standard of excellence are eligible.

The P-1 visa is divided into two subcategories: P-1A for athletes and P-1B for entertainers. The P-1A visa allows athletes to participate in major sports leagues, tournaments and competitions in the U.S., and the P-1B visa allows entertainers and performing artists to tour, perform in shows, or engage in promotional activities.

P-1A visa applicants are able to stay in the U.S. for up to 5 years, and they can apply for extensions that allow them to stay for a maximum total of 10 years. They can re-enter multiple times if needed to travel internationally for competitions or training.

P-1B visa holders can initially stay in the U.S. for up to one year, which can be extended in increments of up to one year to complete. They are also allowed multiple entries into the United States. Dependents of both types of P-1 visa holders can accompany them on P-4 visas and stay for the same duration.

The P-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that does not does not allow for self-employment or the establishment of independent business ventures in the U.S. It does not provide a path to permanent residency in the U.S., although you may be able to apply for adjustment of status. The application process can be complex, and you must provide extensive supporting evidence that proves you meet the requirements.

P-2 Visa Attorney

The P-2 visa is a similar non-immigrant visa that offers a pathway for artists and entertainers engaged in reciprocal exchange programs between the U.S. and another country to enter and perform in the United States. The P-2 visa is valid for the duration of the performance or event, up to a maximum of one year, and extensions may be granted. The purpose is to encourage cultural and artistic exchanges between nations.

In addition to being part of a reciprocal program, to qualify for a P-2 visa, applicants must have skills comparable to those of the United States artists or entertainers who are taking part in the exchange program. You must submit evidence of the event you will participate in and your qualifications, and submit it with your application. You must also have written consultation from an appropriate labor organization that identifies the work or services to be performed while in the United States.

P-3 Visa Attorney

The P-3 visa is designed for performers and entertainers who are coming to the United States to participate in a culturally unique program that is traditional, ethnic, folk, cultural, or artistic in nature.

To qualify for a P-3 visa, you must have the necessary skills, be an integral part of the performance or presentation, and have a U.S. sponsor who is responsible for you during your stay. You and your sponsor must provide evidence such as awards, reviews, or articles that show that your art or entertainment is an important part of your cultural tradition and has significance beyond just entertainment value. Once your sponsor has filed the application, you must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate to complete the process.

Steps to Apply for a P Visa

To apply for a P visa, you should start by making sure you will meet the eligibility requirements as an internationally recognized athlete, athletic team, or entertainment group. Then take the following steps:

  • Find a U.S. sponsor, agent, or potential employer who will file the visa petition on your behalf.
  • Gather documentation to prove your eligibility and international recognition in your field.
  • File Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker with the United States Citizens and Immigration Services (USCIS) along with the P Supplement and supporting documents.
  • Pay filing fees.
  • Receive a decision. The USCIS will review the petition and supporting documents; if it is approved, you’ll receive a Notice of Action (Form I-797).
  • Apply for the visa at a U.S. consulate or embassy using the online Form DS-160, and pay visa application fees.
  • Schedule and attend a visa interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy and bring all required documents
  • Receive your visa, if approved.

If your applications is denied, it can be appealed and the petition can be refiled with new evidence, or a motion to reopen or reconsider can be filed. An experienced immigration attorney can help determine the best course of action.

How Our P Visa Attorney Works for You

While it is possible to file for a P visa on your own, having an attorney on your side provides support and expedites the process. The experienced immigration attorneys at Carman Fullerton are prepared to do everything possible to help athletes and entertainers get the visa that enables them to come and perform in the United States. When you have our team on your side, we will provide valuable assistance throughout the visa application process. We will:

  • Evaluate your individual situation and qualifications to determine the most appropriate visa category to apply for
  • Help you fill out and review your application forms to make sure they are done correctly, and strengthen your application with additional evidence or expert recommendations
  • Help collect proper documentation to ensure that you meet legal qualifications, including required proof of international recognition or cultural uniqueness
  • Make sure you have a U.S. sponsor file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) with USCIS
  • Monitor the entire process and communicate with all relevant parties as necessary
  • Handle challenges and make appeals or refile if your visa application is denied, and provide legal assistance if you encounter any issues with your visa during the time you are in the U.S.
  • Help you attain more permanent status if you want to return to or stay in the U.S. after your program is completed.

Get Help from Our P-1, P-2, and P-3 Visa Attorney

Getting a P visa is complicated, and it’s easy to make mistakes and have your application delayed or denied, but help is available from the experienced immigration attorneys at Carman Fullerton in Lexington, Kentucky. We provide skilled legal representation to handle all issues that can come up during P visa, 01 visa, or any other type of visa application process. We also handle issues that arise if you decide you would like to remain in the United States.

Call us today for an initial consultation to see how we can help.

Get Started Now Call 859-971-0060

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