We are proud to share that we’ve recently obtained a US P-1B (Entertainment Group) petition approval and subsequent visas for our client, a prominent Australian live dance revue group that has successfully toured all around Australia, Europe, UK, Canada, Asia, etc., but until now, not the United States.
This approval has enabled them to embark on a nationwide tour across the United States. You would think that with the entertainment industry being so important to the US, it would be relatively simple to undertake a 2-month tour, but this is unfortunately not the case. This is a complex and costly endeavour.
The P-1B visa for entertainment groups has the following key eligibility criteria:
▪ International Recognition: The group must be recognised internationally for a sustained and substantial period, showcasing a high level of achievement in their field and renowned in more than one country.
▪Group Composition: At least 75% of the group members must have been with the group for a minimum of one year.
▪Purpose of Entry: The group must be coming to the U.S. to perform at events that require an internationally recognised group.
▪ Supporting Evidence: The petition must include documentation of the group’s international reputation, such as press, awards, contracts, and expert statements proving the group’s distinguished standing in the field.
▪ Labour Consultation: Yes, you even need to pay for and receive a ‘non-objection’ letter from the most relevant labour union/guild for the group in the US.
▪ U.S. Employer or Agent: A U.S. employer, U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent must file the petition on behalf of the group.
We filed the petition with 400+ pages of supporting documentation with USCIS by mail (yes, the only option) in April with premium processing (an additional, optional fee). We then received a Request for Evidence from USCIS (a common occurrence).
We pulled together more evidence, exceeding 300 pages, and drafted a Brief addressing the RFE and making arguments why the group satisfies the criteria. Following this, the petition was then approved in a few days. We then began the final step, which was organising visa interviews at US Consulates around the world that fit into the performers’ busy touring schedules. We finally had all visas issued and passports returned days before the tour was set to begin in the US.
This project required meticulous planning, extensive documentation, and seamless coordination with our client and various stakeholders. It’s a privilege to support such an exciting entertainment group with their major tour around the US. I maintain, however, that this process should be simpler and open to more international entertainment groups that wish to tour the US.
