BorderProofBorderProof
Explore VisasCompare VisasCountry GuidesNewsAbout
Sign InFind A Visa
P-1B — Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group
United StatesUnited States•North America
Open

P-1B — Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group

Work Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2–3 weeks

Estimated Cost

USD $1,730–$5,295

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

1 year

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Employer or agent

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information
United States flag

Living in United States

Cost of Living
Baseline
Avg Salary$52,000
Quality of Life
185/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Members of an entertainment group that has been internationally recognized as outstanding.

The P-1B is a US visa for members of entertainment groups recognized internationally as outstanding in their discipline. The group must have been established for at least one year and 75% of members must have had a sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.

Initial stay is up to one year, extendable in one-year increments with no statutory maximum. Dependents join on P-4 status but may not work. Dual intent is permitted. Circus performers joining a nationally recognized circus are exempt from the one-year and international recognition requirements.

This visa is ideal for foreign entertainers performing as part of a group with sustained international recognition, where individual extraordinary ability cannot be demonstrated.

United States

Curious about life in the United States?

Discover cost of living, salary benchmarks, tax rates, and quality of life — everything you need to know before you make the move.

Explore Guide

Cost Breakdown

I-129 base filing fee (standard/large employer)USD $1,015
Asylum program fee (standard/large employer)USD $600
Form I-129 base filing fee (nonprofit/union/small employer)USD $510
Asylum program fee (small employer)USD $300
Asylum program fee (nonprofit)USD $0
DS-160 MRV fee (per beneficiary, consular processing)USD $205
Premium processing (Form I-907)USD $2,965
optional
TotalUSD $1,730–$5,295

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant1 year

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker
United States flagUnited States

EB-1 — Employment First Preference - Priority Worker

ValidityIndefinite
Processing1–3 years
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Entertainment group must have been established for at least 1 year

Group must be internationally recognized as outstanding in its discipline — renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country

At least 75% of group members must have had a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least 1 year

Qualifying 75% of members must perform functions integral to the group's performance

U.S. employer or agent must petition on behalf of the group

Written advisory opinion from an appropriate labor/peer organization (e.g., AFM, SAG-AFTRA, AGMA) required

Circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt from the 1-year and international recognition requirements if joining a nationally recognized circus

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Form I-129 with O and P Supplement completed by U.S. petitioner

Written advisory opinion from appropriate labor or peer organization

Performance itinerary listing dates, venues, and locations

Employment contract or written summary of oral agreement with the petitioner

Statement listing each group member with employment history and dates with the group

Evidence of group's 1-year establishment (prior contracts, programs, performance records)

Evidence of international recognition: awards, critical reviews, advertisements, box office receipts, evidence of performing in multiple countries

Group member roster attesting 75% qualifying relationships

Form DS-160 (completed by each beneficiary) for consular processing

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • No annual numerical cap — unlimited petitions can be approved each year
  • Dual intent recognized — filing for a green card does not jeopardize P-1B status
  • Extendable in 1-year increments with no statutory maximum total stay
  • Essential support personnel (P-1S) may accompany the group
  • Spouse and unmarried children under 21 may accompany under P-4 status
  • Circus performers have relaxed qualification — exempt from 1-year and international recognition requirements

Worth Knowing

  • Initial stay limited to 1 year (shorter than P-1A athletes' 5-year initial period)
  • At least 75% of group members must have been with the group for at least 1 year
  • International recognition applies to the group, not individual members — solo or independent work requires a separate O-1B visa
  • Work authorized only with the specifically approved petitioning employer/group
  • P-4 dependents cannot work in the U.S.
  • Groups with more than 25 members require multiple I-129 petitions with separate fees (effective April 2024)
  • Standard processing of 3–6 months makes premium processing advisable for time-sensitive engagements

Application Process

1

U.S. petitioner obtains written advisory opinion from the appropriate labor/peer union

2

Petitioner files Form I-129 with O and P Supplement at the appropriate USCIS Service Center with all fees and supporting documents

3

Optionally file Form I-907 for premium processing (15 business day guarantee)

4

Await USCIS receipt notice (I-797C), then approval notice (I-797A) or respond to any RFE

5

Each beneficiary abroad completes Form DS-160 online and pays the $205 MRV fee

6

Schedule and attend a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate

7

Receive P-1B visa stamp and travel to the U.S.

Application Forms

Go to application portal
I-129
Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
Fill online
DS-160
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application
Fill online
I-907
Request for Premium Processing Service
Fill online

Ready to see if the P-1B — Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group is your visa path?

Discover how your answers compare with the published requirements. 2 minutes. Free to use.

Start Visa Discovery