P visa holders are permitted to come to the United States for the duration necessary to participate in a specific competition, event, or performance. Extensions may be granted in order to continue or to complete the event, competition, or performance.
To apply for a P visa, a company or organization must file a petition with U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services. With certain exceptions, the petition must include a written advisory opinion from an appropriate labor organization regarding the individual’s qualifications and the nature of the work to be performed. It must also include the service contract.
Support personnel may also receive a P visa, as can spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Support personnel may include coaches, trainers, lighting technicians, camera operators, and so forth.