P-3 (Culturally Unique Program)

Introduction:
The P-3 nonimmigrant visa category applies to an alien coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach, individually or as part of a group, in the arts or entertainment fields in a program that is culturally unique and which will further the understanding or development of the art form.

Criteria:

  • The alien must be coming to the U.S. either individually or as a group for the purpose of developing, interpreting, representing, coaching, or teaching a unique or traditional ethnic, folk, cultural, musical, theatrical, or artistic performance or presentation;
  • The alien must participate in a cultural event or events which will further the understanding or development of the art form; the program may be of a commercial or noncommercial nature, and all of the performances or presentations will be culturally unique events; and
  • An appropriate labor organization shall issue a written consultation.

Period of Stay:

  • The alien may be allowed to remain in the U.S. for the length of completion of the event, activity or performance, and not to exceed 1 year.
  • Extension of stay is available with the increments of up to 1 year.

Essential Support Personnel (P-3S):

  • Essential support personnel are highly skilled aliens coming temporarily as an essential and integral part of the competition or performance of a principal P-3, or because they perform support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance or services of the principal P-3.
  • They include coaches, scouts, trainers and other team officials and referees.

Family of P-3:

  • Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may come to the U.S. under P-4 status.
  • They are not permitted to work, but may attend school or college.