Getting Ready for Festival Season? Here's What to Know About the P-1B Visa

Summer in Chicago means packed parks, outdoor stages, and music festivals almost every weekend. If you're part of a band or performance group that's gearing up to play at one of these events, or anywhere else in the U.S., you may need a visa to perform legally. One option for internationally recognized groups is the P-1B visa.

What’s the P-1B Visa?

The P-1B is for entertainers who are part of a group that’s well-known internationally. It's not for solo acts, it’s only for those who regularly perform as part of a group that has a strong, long-standing reputation.

To qualify:

• The group must be internationally recognized for its achievements.

• At least 75% of the group’s members must have been performing together for a year or more.

• You must be coming to the U.S. specifically to perform with that group—not separately.

Are There Any Exceptions?

Yes. There are a few:

• Circus performers (and their crew) don’t have to meet the usual requirements, as long as the circus itself has national recognition.

• Some nationally recognized groups can qualify without international recognition if there are special circumstances.

• The 1-year membership rule can be waived in emergencies.

What Counts as a “Group”?

It has to be at least two people who perform together as one act. Only performers count—techs like lighting or sound crew need a separate P-1S visa.

What If You're a Solo Act with a Regular Band?

If you always perform with the same backup musicians or singers, and 75% of them have been with you for at least a year, you might be treated as a group under P-1B. If not, you may need to apply under the O-1 category (and your support team under O-2).

Conclusion

Summer is one of the busiest and best times to perform in the U.S. If your group is booked for gigs here, getting the right visa is just as important as soundcheck. The P-1B can be a great fit for established performance groups, but it’s important to talk to an experienced immigration attorney to see if you qualify. Make sure you're applying under the right category before the curtain rises.

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