P-1B Visa for Circus Entertainers

P-1B Visa for Circus Entertainers

Many circus performers come to the U.S. under the P-1B visa. Florida is fairly famous for its circus heritage. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been headquartered here since 1927 and the Ringling Museum is a top tourist attraction.

Circus performers are eligible for a P-1B visa if they are coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform as a member of a circus group that is recognized internationally. Specific eligibility requirements include:

• More than 75 percent of group members must have maintained a relationship with the group for at least a year.
• The entertainment group must be internationally recognized and have a high level of achievement in their field.
• The applicant must provide supporting documentation that the entertainment group or circus is internationally recognized, which can include:
• proof of the group’s date of establishment
• tour itinerary
• proof of appropriate labor organization consultation
• proof of contract between circus and performer
• evidence of regular performance by group (dates performed)
• evidence of the participation in the performance of individual members
• evidence of international recognition such as awards given for performance, newspaper or magazine reviews by critics, performance records which show that the group has performed at high-profile events, box office receipts, higher than average salaries of members

Alien circus performers may be exempt from these requirements if they can demonstrate that they are joining a nationally recognized circus.

Applying for a P-1B Visa

To apply for a P-1B visa, a U.S. employer must submit a Form I-129 Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker with the supporting documentation mentioned above and either consult with the appropriate labor organization regarding the nature of the work to be done in the U.S. or provide proof that the group has been established and working in the U.S. for at least one year.

While the P-1B visa is not impossible to receive, it is trickier to create the proper documentation because of the subjective requirements from USCIS for this particular visa.  It is very important that the immigration attorney you choose to help you is careful, diligent and controls the process from beginning to end.

We understand how to put together a P-1B visa package that will be accepted and can help you bring your group to the United States for a tour.  We will advise you in the process of gathering your supporting documentation and working through the requirements supplied by USCIS.

For more information about our circus visa program or to get started, call (305)921-0440 or email romy@jflawfirm.com.

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