Green card

Nonimmigrant visa

Skilled Workers, Professionals, and Other Workers

Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups

Almost any worker

Band members, Orchestra members, Circus performers, Dance troupes

• Must have a job offer and undergo labor certification (PERM), showing no available qualified U.S. workers.

• Skilled Workers: Job offer requires at least 2 years of training or experience.

• Professionals: Job offer requires a U.S. bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent.

• Other Workers: Job offer requiring less than 2 years of training or experience.

• The group must be internationally recognized in its field.

• At least 75% of the group’s members must have been with the group for a minimum of one year.

• The purpose of the visit to the U.S. must be to perform as a group.

• Provides complete flexibility to work, live, and study in the U.S.

• Straightforward process with clear requirements.

• Highly flexible, applicable to almost any job that aligns with your experience or qualifications based on its minimum requirements.

• Allows internationally recognized entertainment groups to perform in the U.S.

• Simplifies the process with a single petition for the entire group.

• Adjusts the stay duration based on the group’s engagement schedule.

• Flexible sponsorship options, including sponsorship by an agent—an individual or entity designated to act on your behalf—instead of a single payroll employer. This allows you to work for multiple employers.

• Visas are available for essential support personnel, such as sound and lighting technicians.

• The labor certification process (PERM) is lengthy and time-consuming.

• Applicants are tied to the employer sponsoring the petition for most of the application process.

• Slower processing times compared to other categories, particularly for applicants from certain countries.

• Stay is limited to one-year increments, which is shorter than other visa categories.

• Requires proof of international recognition (not just national), setting a higher eligibility standard compared to some other visas.

• Spouses and dependents do not receive work authorization.

• Renewal requires evidence of ongoing performance engagements.

Required

Required

Permanent residency

Duration of the event, up to 1 year, renewable in 1-year increments

Every 10 years

1-year increments

Three stages, totaling about 36-48 months¹

3-6 months

15 business days²

15 business days

Yes

No

¹Applicants from India, China, or Mexico may experience longer wait times.

²Available for only one stage of the process, with minimal impact on the overall processing time.

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