<div class="vt" data-vt-cat="work-visas" data-vt-code="P-1B"> <div class="vt-crumbs"><nav class="vt-wrap" aria-label="Breadcrumb"><a href="/">Home</a><span>›</span><a href="/work-visas">Work & business</a><span>›</span><span>P-1B</span></nav></div> <section class="vt-dhead"><div class="vt-wrap"> <div class="vt-badges"><span>Nonimmigrant</span><span>Employment-based</span><span>No annual cap</span><span>Form I-129</span><span>Labor consultation</span></div> <h1><span>P-1B</span> Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group</h1> <p class="vt-lede">For members of an entertainment group that has been internationally recognized as outstanding for a sustained period, coming to perform as part of that group.</p> <div class="vt-dmeta"><span>Last reviewed <strong>Oct 1, 2026</strong></span><span>Sources: USCIS · eCFR</span><a href="/corrections?page=/visa/p-1b">Report an error</a></div> </div></section> <section class="vt-dbody"> <nav class="vt-jump" aria-label="On this page"><a href="#overview">Overview</a><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a><a href="#duration">Duration</a><a href="#fees">Fees</a><a href="#processing">Processing</a><a href="#steps">Steps</a><a href="#documents">Documents</a><a href="#dependents">Dependents</a><a href="#greencard">Green card</a><a href="#related">Related</a><a href="#faq">FAQ</a><a href="#sources">Sources</a><a href="#changes">Changes</a></nav> <nav class="vt-toc" aria-label="On this page"><div class="h">On this page</div><ul><li><a href="#overview">Overview</a></li><li><a href="#qualify">Who qualifies</a></li><li><a href="#duration">Duration & extensions</a></li><li><a href="#fees">Fees</a></li><li><a href="#processing">Processing time</a></li><li><a href="#steps">Application steps</a></li><li><a href="#documents">Required documents</a></li><li><a href="#dependents">Dependents & family</a></li><li><a href="#greencard">Path to a green card</a></li><li><a href="#related">Related visas</a></li><li><a href="#faq">Common questions</a></li><li><a href="#sources">Official sources</a></li><li><a href="#changes">Recent changes</a></li></ul></nav> <article class="vt-art"> <div class="vt-glance"><h2>At a glance</h2><dl><div><dt>Initial period of stay</dt><dd>Up to 1 year</dd></div><div><dt>Extensions</dt><dd>1 year at a time</dd></div><div><dt>Group track record</dt><dd>Established and performing at least 1 year</dd></div><div><dt>Membership rule</dt><dd>75% of members with the group at least 1 year</dd></div><div><dt>Annual cap</dt><dd>None</dd></div><div><dt>USCIS filing fee</dt><dd>$1,015 ($510 small employer or nonprofit)</dd></div></dl></div> <div class="vt-callout"><strong>The group qualifies, not the individual.</strong> P-1B is granted based on the group’s international reputation. Members may not perform separately from the group; solo artists generally look to O-1B instead (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(p)(4)(iii)</a>).</div> <h2 id="overview" class="s">Overview</h2> <p class="b">P-1B is for people who perform with, or are an integral and essential part of the performance of, an entertainment group that has been <strong>internationally recognized as outstanding</strong> in its discipline for a sustained and substantial period. Each member must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group, ordinarily for at least one year, and provide functions integral to its performance.</p> <p class="b">The group must have been established and performing regularly for at least one year, and <strong>75 percent</strong> of its members must have been with it for at least one year (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(p)(4)</a>). USCIS can <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">waive</a> the international-recognition requirement for groups nationally recognized for a sustained period when special circumstances, such as limited media access or geography, make international recognition hard to show. Circus personnel joining a nationally recognized circus are exempt from both the one-year and the international-recognition requirements.</p> <p class="b">Petitions are filed by a U.S. employer, a U.S. sponsoring organization, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent, with a mandatory labor-organization consultation. Essential support personnel use a separate P-1S petition.</p> <h2 id="qualify" class="s">Who qualifies</h2> <h3 class="s">The group must show</h3> <ul class="b"><li>It has been established and performing regularly for at least 1 year.</li><li>A statement listing each member and the exact dates each has been regularly employed by the group.</li><li>International recognition for a sustained and substantial period: nomination for or receipt of significant international awards, <strong>or</strong> three of the six criteria below.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Three of these (8 CFR 214.2(p)(4)(iii)(B)(3))</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Has performed, and will perform, as a starring or leading group in productions or events with a distinguished reputation.</li><li>International recognition and acclaim, shown by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals or magazines.</li><li>Has performed, and will perform, as a leading or starring group for organizations with a distinguished reputation.</li><li>A record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, such as ratings, box-office receipts or record sales.</li><li>Significant recognition from organizations, critics, government agencies or recognized experts.</li><li>A high salary or other substantial pay compared with others similarly situated.</li></ul> <h3 class="s">Special rules</h3> <ul class="b"><li>Circus performers and essential circus personnel joining a nationally recognized circus are exempt from the one-year and international-recognition requirements.</li><li>The one-year relationship requirement can be waived for a replacement member, due to illness or unexpected circumstances, or for a member who augments the group in a critical role.</li></ul> <h2 id="duration" class="s">Duration & extensions</h2> <table class="vt-kv"><tbody><tr><th scope="row">Initial period</th><td>Time needed to complete the event, up to <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">1 year</a>.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Extensions</th><td>In increments of up to 1 year to continue or complete the same event or activity.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Admission</th><td>Petition validity plus up to 10 days before and after; work only during the validity period.</td></tr><tr><th scope="row">Essential support (P-1S)</th><td>Up to 1 year, with 1-year extensions.</td></tr></tbody></table> <h2 id="fees" class="s">Fees</h2> <p class="vt-feesintro">The petitioner pays the USCIS fees, and each applicant pays visa fees at the consulate. Amounts are from the USCIS fee schedule (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26</a>) and the <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">State Department fee schedule</a>.</p> <div class="vt-scroll"><table class="vt-fees"><thead><tr><th>Fee</th><th class="amt">Amount</th><th>Who pays</th><th>Notes</th></tr></thead><tbody> <tr><td>Form I-129 filing fee (P petition)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$1,015</a></td><td>Petitioner (employer, sponsor or agent)</td><td>$510 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees) and nonprofits. Up to 25 named beneficiaries per petition.</td></tr> <tr><td>Asylum Program Fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$600</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>$300 for small employers (25 or fewer full-time-equivalent U.S. employees); $0 for nonprofits.</td></tr> <tr><td>Premium processing (Form I-907, optional)</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a></td><td>Petitioner</td><td>Optional. USCIS acts within 15 business days. The fee has applied since <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">March 1, 2026</a>.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa application (MRV) fee</td><td class="amt"><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$205</a></td><td>Applicant</td><td>Per person, for H, L, O, P, Q and R visas, including each P-4 family member applying abroad. Not needed for visa-exempt Canadians.</td></tr> <tr><td>Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee</td><td class="amt">Varies</td><td>Applicant</td><td>Charged only to some nationalities, based on reciprocity; many pay nothing.</td></tr> </tbody></table></div> <p class="vt-foot">Essential support personnel need their own petition and fee. Labor-organization consultation letters are issued by private organizations, which may charge their own fees. The Visa Integrity Fee (at least $250) created by Public Law 119-21 is not listed in the State Department fee regulation; DHS said on <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">July 22, 2025</a> that it “will be implemented in a future publication.”</p> <h2 id="processing" class="s">Processing time</h2> <dl class="vt-cards"><div><dt>Premium processing</dt><dd>15 business days</dd><dd class="n">Optional, for an extra <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">$2,965</a>. The clock restarts if USCIS issues a request for evidence.</dd></div><div><dt>Earliest filing</dt><dd>1 year before</dd><dd class="n">A P petition cannot be filed more than <a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">one year</a> before the services are needed.</dd></div><div><dt>Standard processing</dt><dd>Varies</dd><dd class="n">See current <a href="https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">USCIS processing times</a> for Form I-129.</dd></div></dl> <p class="b">P petitions are not capped. For tours and seasons, leave time for the labor consultation, USCIS processing and visa appointments, which vary by embassy.</p> <h2 id="steps" class="s">Application steps</h2> <ol class="vt-steps"><li><span class="num">1</span><div><div class="tt">Document the group</div><div class="tx">Compile the member list with dates, proof that the group has performed regularly for at least a year, and evidence of international recognition.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">2</span><div><div class="tt">Obtain the labor consultation</div><div class="tx">Request a written advisory opinion, or a letter of no objection, from an appropriate labor organization.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">3</span><div><div class="tt">File Form I-129</div><div class="tx">The employer, sponsor or agent files one petition for up to 25 named group members, with the itinerary, contracts and fees. Support crew go on a separate P-1S petition.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">4</span><div><div class="tt">Apply for visas</div><div class="tx">Members complete Form DS-160, pay the visa fee and attend consular interviews. Substitutions of group members can be requested at the consulate or port of entry; substitutions of support personnel cannot.</div></div></li><li><span class="num">5</span><div><div class="tt">Enter and perform</div><div class="tx">Perform only as part of the group, during the approved validity period.</div></div></li></ol> <h2 id="documents" class="s">Required documents</h2> <div class="vt-docs"><div><h3>From the petitioner</h3><ul><li><span>Form I-129 with the O and P Classifications Supplement.</span></li><li><span>Contracts or a summary of terms, with an itinerary of dates and venues.</span></li><li><span>Statement listing members and their dates with the group.</span></li><li><span>Labor-organization consultation letter.</span></li></ul></div><div><h3>Evidence about the group</h3><ul><li><span>International awards or nominations, reviews, programs, chart or sales data, and expert letters.</span></li><li><span>Each member’s passport and DS-160 confirmation.</span></li></ul></div></div> <h2 id="dependents" class="s">Dependents & family</h2> <p class="b">The spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a P-1, P-2 or P-3 worker may receive <strong>P-4</strong> status for the same period of admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(p)(8)(iii)(D)</a>).</p> <p class="b">P-4 family members <strong>cannot work</strong> unless separately granted employment authorization, but they may attend school or college.</p> <p class="b">Family members in the U.S. extend or change to P-4 status on Form I-539 ($470 on paper, $420 online, per the <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fee schedule</a>).</p> <h2 id="greencard" class="s">Path to a green card</h2> <p class="b">P workers must keep a residence abroad they do not intend to abandon. Even so, the regulations say that an approved labor certification or a filed preference petition is not a reason to deny a P petition, extension, change of status or admission (<a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener">8 CFR 214.2(p)(15)</a>). This protection does not cover essential support personnel.</p> <div class="vt-gsteps"><div><div class="k">Step 1</div><div class="tt">Identify a green card basis</div><div class="tx">Common routes include <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/permanent-workers/employment-based-immigration-first-preference-eb-1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">EB-1A</a> for people with sustained national or international acclaim, EB-2 (including a National Interest Waiver), or employer sponsorship through PERM.</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 2</div><div class="tt">File the immigrant petition</div><div class="tx">Form I-140 costs $715 on paper or $665 online, plus the Asylum Program Fee where applicable (<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener">fee schedule</a>).</div></div><div><div class="k">Step 3</div><div class="tt">Adjust status or process abroad</div><div class="tx">When a visa number is available, file Form I-485 or complete consular processing.</div></div></div> <h2 id="related" class="s">Related visas</h2> <div class="vt-rel"><a href="/visa/o-1b"><div class="c">O-1B</div><div class="n">Extraordinary ability in the arts</div><div class="tx">For individual artists who qualify on their own reputation.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-2"><div class="c">P-2</div><div class="n">Reciprocal exchange performer</div><div class="tx">For artists under a government-recognized reciprocal exchange program.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-3"><div class="c">P-3</div><div class="n">Culturally unique artist</div><div class="tx">For performing or teaching a culturally unique art form.</div></a><a href="/visa/p-1a"><div class="c">P-1A</div><div class="n">Internationally recognized athlete</div><div class="tx">The P-1 route for athletes and teams.</div></a></div> <h2 id="faq" class="s">Common questions</h2> <div class="vt-faq"><details><summary>Can a member perform solo while in the U.S.?</summary><p>No. P-1B members may not perform separate and apart from the group. Individual artists usually consider O-1B.</p></details><details><summary>What if a member just joined the group?</summary><p>Only 75 percent of members must have been with the group for at least a year. USCIS can also waive the one-year rule for a member replacing someone due to illness or unexpected circumstances, or for a member who augments the group in a critical role.</p></details><details><summary>Do circuses need international recognition?</summary><p>No. Circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt from the one-year and international-recognition requirements if they join a nationally recognized circus.</p></details></div> <h2 id="sources" class="s">Official sources</h2> <ul class="vt-src"><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/p-1b-a-member-of-an-internationally-recognized-entertainment-group" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · P-1B A Member of an Internationally Recognized Entertainment Group</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-8/part-214/section-214.2#p-214.2(p)" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 8 CFR 214.2(p) — Artists, athletes, and entertainers</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/g-1055" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Form G-1055, Fee Schedule (edition 10/01/26)</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/forms/all-forms/how-do-i-request-premium-processing" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · How Do I Request Premium Processing?</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/policy-manual/volume-2-part-n" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · Policy Manual Vol. 2, Part N — P Nonimmigrants</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-22/part-22/section-22.1" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>eCFR</strong> · 22 CFR 22.1 — Schedule of fees for consular services</span><span>ecfr.gov ↗</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><span><strong>USCIS</strong> · I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker</span><span>uscis.gov ↗</span></a></li></ul> <h2 id="changes" class="s">Recent changes</h2> <ul class="vt-chg"><li><span class="d">Sep 9, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>New edition of Form I-129 (09/09/26).</strong> USCIS published a new Form I-129 edition. Petitions postmarked or electronically submitted on or after Nov. 9, 2026 must use the 09/09/26 edition; the 02/27/26 edition is accepted until then. <a href="https://www.uscis.gov/i-129" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 12, 2026</span><div class="x"><strong>Premium processing fee rises to $2,965.</strong> Inflation adjustment: the Form I-907 fee for I-129 petitions in L, O and P (and most other) classifications increased from $2,805 to $2,965 for requests postmarked on or after March 1, 2026. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/12/2026-00321/adjustment-to-premium-processing-fees" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Dec 16, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10998 expands entry restrictions.</strong> Effective Jan. 1, 2026, entry of nationals of additional countries was fully or partially suspended. Full suspensions cover nonimmigrant visas, including employment categories; partial suspensions cover B, F, M and J visas and shorten validity of other nonimmigrant visas. Limited exceptions apply. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/12/19/2025-23570/restricting-and-limiting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-security-of-the-united-states" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Sep 18, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Narrower visa interview waivers.</strong> Effective Oct. 1, 2025, nearly all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, generally need an in-person consular interview. Waivers remain mainly for diplomatic and official visa classes and certain B-1/B-2, Border Crossing Card and H-2A renewals; consular officers may still require an interview in any case. <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jul 22, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Visa Integrity Fee: not yet implemented.</strong> Public Law 119-21 (July 4, 2025) created a Visa Integrity Fee of at least $250 payable when a nonimmigrant visa is issued. DHS stated the fee “requires cross-agency coordination before implementing” and “will be implemented in a future publication.” <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/07/22/2025-13738/uscis-immigration-fees-required-by-hr-1-reconciliation-bill" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jun 4, 2025</span><div class="x"><strong>Proclamation 10949 restricts entry from listed countries.</strong> Fully suspended entry of immigrants and nonimmigrants from 12 countries and partially suspended entry from 7 others, effective June 9, 2025. Later amended by Proclamation 10998. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/06/10/2025-10669/restricting-the-entry-of-foreign-nationals-to-protect-the-united-states-from-foreign-terrorists-and" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li><li><span class="d">Jan 31, 2024</span><div class="x"><strong>USCIS fee rule sets separate I-129 fees and Asylum Program Fee.</strong> Effective April 1, 2024, Form I-129 fees vary by classification, with reduced fees for small employers and nonprofits, plus a new Asylum Program Fee paid by I-129 petitioners. <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2024/01/31/2024-01427/us-citizenship-and-immigration-services-fee-schedule-and-changes-to-certain-other-immigration" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Source ↗</a></div></li></ul> <div class="vt-disc">This page is general reference material compiled from the official sources above and is not legal advice. Eligibility depends on individual facts; rules and fees change, so confirm with the agency before you file. VisaTypes.com is not affiliated with USCIS, the Department of State or any government agency. Spotted an error? <a href="/corrections?page=/visa/p-1b">Tell us</a>.</div> </article></section></div> <script type="application/ld+json">[{"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [{"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://visatypes.com/"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Work & business", "item": "https://visatypes.com/work-visas"}, {"\u0040type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "P-1B", "item": "https://visatypes.com/visa/p-1b"}]}, {"\u0040context": "https://schema.org", "\u0040type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Can a member perform solo while in the U.S.?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. P-1B members may not perform separate and apart from the group. Individual artists usually consider O-1B."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "What if a member just joined the group?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "Only 75 percent of members must have been with the group for at least a year. USCIS can also waive the one-year rule for a member replacing someone due to illness or unexpected circumstances, or for a member who augments the group in a critical role."}}, {"\u0040type": "Question", "name": "Do circuses need international recognition?", "acceptedAnswer": {"\u0040type": "Answer", "text": "No. Circus performers and essential circus personnel are exempt from the one-year and international-recognition requirements if they join a nationally recognized circus."}}]}]</script> <script>(function(){var l=[].slice.call(document.querySelectorAll('.vt-toc a'));if(!l.length||!window.IntersectionObserver)return;var m={};l.forEach(function(a){m[a.getAttribute('href').slice(1)]=a});var cur=null;function on(id){if(cur)cur.classList.remove('on');cur=m[id];if(cur)cur.classList.add('on')}on(l[0].getAttribute('href').slice(1));var io=new IntersectionObserver(function(es){es.forEach(function(x){if(x.isIntersecting)on(x.target.id)})},{rootMargin:'0px 0px -70% 0px'});Object.keys(m).forEach(function(id){var el=document.getElementById(id);el&&io.observe(el)})})();</script>