Visa Options for Artists, Musicians, and Performers

1. Visa Options for Artists, Musicians, and Performers Curran & Berger LLP Immigration Law Office

2. Overview • Nonimmigrant Visas (Temporary) • Immigrant Visas (Permanent) • Special Considerations

3. Nonimmigrant Category: O-1 • Extraordinary ability • 3 years to start, with one-year extensions • No minimum wage requirement

4. Extraordinary standard for artists • “Extraordinary” = “distinction” • Distinction = “a high level of achievement… evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered to the extent that a person is described as prominent, renowned, leading or well-known in the field of arts.”

5. Evidence of DistinctionMust meet 3 • Lead/starring participant in production/events with distinguished reputation as shown by critical reviews, ads, publicity releases, publications, contracts or endorsements • National or international recognition for achievements, as shown by critical reviews or other published materials by or about you in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other publications

6. Evidence of DistinctionMust meet 3 • A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, as shown by such indicators as title, rating, or standing in the field, box office receipts, motion picture or television ratings and other occupational achievements reported in trade journals, major newspapers, or other publications • Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies, recognized experts

7. Evidence of DistinctionMust meet 3 • A high salary or other substantial remuneration for services in relation to others in the field • Other comparable evidence that establishes skill and recognition in the field

8. Petitioner • An O-1 artist may not petition for him/herself • Company or non-profit organization • Agent – this is harder now • There must be a contract or written terms

9. Length of Visa • For “event” • Event could be a residency, tour or contract • Max. of three years for the first visa • No limit on one-year extensions • Need itinerary or plan

10. Consultation • Need consultation from a labor union, if there is one • Examples: Actor’s Equity Assoc., American Federation of Musicians, etc.

11. Long term plans (intent) • No foreign residence requirement for O visa recipients • You may seek permanent residence from O status

12. O-1 Examples • Jazz musician who has played with highly regarded groups around the world and been noted in reviews in NY Times • Portuguese tile painter who is frequently commissioned to create pieces for government buildings, churches, private homes

13. Nonimmigrant Category: P • P-1 for internationally known entertainment groups (not solo artists) • P-2 for performing artists participating in reciprocal exchange program • P-3 for culturally unique artists

14. P-1 Entertainment Groups • Based on group’s reputation, not individual achievement • Requires evidence that group has been established/performing for at least 1 year • Criteria for “international recognition” is similar to O-1 • Exceptions: 75% rule, national recognition • Group can be US-based

15. P-2 Reciprocal Exchange • Few programs • American Federation of Musicians has program for Canadians • Actors Equity has British program

16. P-3 “Culturally Unique” • Broad definition: style must be unique to a particular country, region, society, ethnicity, or other group • Broad use: teach, perform or otherwise represent their specialty in the U.S.

17. P-3 Examples • Musical group from Senegal in U.S. to perform and to record music for an educational production • Irish actor performing a one-man show in which a portion of the dialogue is in Gaelic • Nigerian dancer teaching at a performing arts high school

18. Petitioner • Artist may not petition for him/herself • Business or non-profit organization • Agent • Contract or written terms

19. Duration of P visa • Length of event • “Event” is flexible, may be an entire season of performances • No limit on one-year extensions

20. Consultation • consultation from a labor union, if there is one • “No objection” letter, opinion of the applicant’s work or confirmation of P-2 program

21. Long term plans (intent) • Foreign residence requirement for P visa recipients • Principals may seek permanent residence, but support personnel may not • High fraud consular posts are more likely to deny P visa applications

22. Other Nonimmigrant Visas • H-1B for Specialized Workers • Position must require at least a bachelor’s degree in a specialized field • Minimum wage requirements • 6 year limit • H-3 for Trainees/Apprentices • Strict criteria • Extensive documentation required

23. Other Nonimmigrant Visas • AILF J-1 Training Program • http://www.ailf.org/exchange/ • E-2 Treaty Investors • E-3 for Australian Citizens • Similar to H-1B Very limited use of B-1 visa

24. Immigrant Category: Extraordinary Ability • Similar to O-1 criteria, but higher standard • Must meet standard for extraordinary ability, rather than distinction • Examples: jazz musician and Portuguese painter both obtained permanent residence in this category

25. Immigrant Category:Labor Certification • Option if you have an employer (rather than an agent) and full time job • Requires a test of the labor market to show there are no minimally qualified U.S. workers for the position • Different standard for university teachers/instructors

26. Other Paths to Green Card • Family--based petition • Political Asylum • Diversity Lottery • http://travel.state.gov/ • Spouse

27. Keep in Mind • Plan ahead for both nonimmigrant and immigrant visa options • Beware of letting your status lapse or unauthorized work • Teaching or other employment may be the fastest way to permanent residence

28. Any Questions?