Published by Mei in Work Visas | Updated 2024
The United States offers several visa options for actors looking to work in the country. The type of visa you will need will depend on the nature of your work, the length of your stay, and your qualifications.
Acting is a competitive and challenging industry, and even more so for foreign actors who wish to pursue their careers in the United States. The COVID-19 pandemic made it even more difficult for foreign actors to obtain visas, as the U.S. government became more stringent in its visa issuance policies. However, by understanding the different types of visas available and the eligibility requirements for each, you can increase your chances of securing a USA visa for actors.
O-1 Visa
The O-1 visa is the most popular visa for actors looking to work in the United States. Specifically, the O-1B visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts. To qualify for this visa, you must demonstrate that you are among the top talent in your field and have achieved a level of recognition that places you in the top percentile. This may be easier than you might think, as there are many factors that can be considered, including awards, critical acclaim, and media coverage.
However, there are some challenges that actors on O-1 visas may face. For example, some studios may not be familiar with the O-1 visa and may be hesitant to hire actors who hold this visa. Many of the studios will not hire actors on the O-1B (READ HERE). Additionally, the O-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means that you will not be able to stay in the United States permanently.
If you are an actor who is considering applying for an O-1 visa, it is important to be aware of the restrictions that you may face. Apply for the O1B Arts or O1B MPTV(Motion Picture Television). We cover the O1 visas in depth on this site – BEGIN HERE.
P Visa
Another option for actors is the P-1B visa for artists. This visa is for entertainers who are part of a group, band, or other entertainment act that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in their field. To qualify for this visa, the group must have been established for at least one year and must have a sustained and substantial relationship with each other. The P visa subcategories, including the P-1 visa for internationally recognized athletes, the P-2 visa for artists who are part of reciprocal exchange programs, and the P-3 visa for culturally unique performers.
The P-1B visa is a more restrictive visa than the O-1 visa, so it requires more evidence to support your application. However, if you are able to demonstrate that you are part of an outstanding entertainment group, you should be well on your way to obtaining a visa and pursuing your career in the United States.
Here are some of the evidence that you may need to support your P-1B visa application:
- Documentation of your group’s international recognition. This could include awards, critical acclaim, or media coverage.
- Evidence of your group’s sustained and substantial relationship. This could include contracts, tour schedules, or other documentation.
- Evidence of your group’s upcoming performances in the United States. This could include contracts, performance schedules, or other documentation.
If you are an actor who is considering applying for a P-1B visa, it is important to be aware of the requirements and to gather the necessary evidence. However, if you are able to do so, you should be well on your way to obtaining a visa and pursuing your career in the United States. We investigate these visas here.
E-3 Visa
The E-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa exclusively available to Australian nationals seeking to work in the United States in a specialty occupation. A specialty occupation is defined as a position that requires a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent. To qualify you must have a job offer from a U.S. employer, and your job must require a specific level of education or training. You must also be coming to the United States to solely perform services in your specialty occupation. You can also sponsor yourself using your own company.
From the U.S. perspective, the E-3 visa is designed to enrich the U.S. workforce by bringing in highly skilled workers from Australia. The visa is also seen as a way to strengthen the economic and cultural ties between the United States and Australia.
Gather the following documents:
- Job offer from a U.S. employer
- Bachelor’s degree or its equivalent
- Evidence of your work experience in your specialty occupation
- Medical examination
You can also sponsor yourself on your own company. If you are self-employed, you will need to provide evidence of your business and your ability to support yourself financially while in the United States.
EB-1 Extraordinary Green Card
The more permanent option for actors is the EB-1 Extraordinary Green Card. You can apply from abroad and no studio has issue with it. We cover the EB1 Green Card in depth on our site here.
NIW (National Interest Waiver)
If you are an actor that is culturally important eg Kabuki expert or an actor specializing in commedia dell’arte then you may be a good candidate for the NIW (National Interest Waiver) green card [Read more here]. Application is similar to the EB-1 visa application.
Diversity Visa Lottery
If you are from a country that is eligible to apply, the diversity visa is a great way to get your green card. This is a free lottery and held once a year. It usually kicks in for the following year. Only enter through this site https://dvprogram.state.gov/ Ensure it is the ‘.gov’ website. There are many scams. You must prove you are in an allowed profession so read their instructions carefully. [MORE HERE]
Eligibility Requirements for USA Visas for Actors
To qualify for a USA visa for actors, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These requirements vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.
O-1 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an O-1 visa, you must demonstrate extraordinary ability in your field. This can be achieved through awards, press recognition, and other forms of public recognition. You must also have a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you and provide evidence of your employment. Have a read of our O1
P Visa Requirements
To qualify for a P‑1B Arts, P-2 and P-3, you must be part of a group or entertainment act. You must also have a U.S. employer who is willing to sponsor you and provide evidence of your employment.
The P-1B classification applies to you if you are coming to the US temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been established for a minimum of one year and recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.
The P-2 classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to perform as an artist or entertainer, individually or as part of a group, who will perform under a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the United States and an organization in another country. It is restrictive as you must be an artist entering the United States through a government recognized reciprocal exchange program.
The P-2 is for Culturally Unique Performers, Teachers, or Coaches – Open to individuals or groups that are coming to the U.S. to perform, teach, or coach in a commercial or noncommercial program that is culturally unique. Compensation is not a factor in P-3 cases.
P visa applications are very similar to the O visa application. Check out our O1B visa information as it may be relevant to you.
E-3 Visa Requirements
To qualify for an E-3 visa, you must be an Australian national. You must also have a job offer from a U.S. employer in a specialty occupation.
Diversity Visa Lottery
Confirm you have a profession that qualifies and there are visas available for your country.
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We have not included the possible student visas as we are concerned that if you are already an ‘expert in your field’ the USCIS might question why are you on a student visa. We ask that you consider that on your visa journey.
Jason, Mei, Julianne and I all came out here on either O visas or EB1s. We know of an Irish dancer who came out on an NIW but most actors/artists go for the O1 and then move up to the EB1. Going straight for the EB1 is what an actor friend did – he was working in UK on East Enders and had done work in the West End.
Pursuing a career as an actor in the United States can be challenging but very rewarding. Understanding the different types of visas available and the eligibility requirements for each can increase your chances of success. If you are intending to apply it is crucial to understand that not every attorney has experience working in these visas read our Attorney Guide. You might also consider using an online guide (review here) to increase your chances of securing a US actor visa.
Are you an actor wishing to work in Hollywood? Do you have your sights set on the bright lights of Broadway? If you are looking to pursue an acting career in the United States, understanding the ins and outs of the USA visa system is crucial.
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All articles are written from our experiences and the experiences of our colleagues. These are fantastic visas and we wish to empower others in applying. This information is for general guidance only and shouldn’t be considered legal advice.
If you have any questions or encounter any issues that we have left out let us know – it is important that others are aware. Email here!
Read more on the O Visa here and the EB1 Green Card here. Read our article comparing the EB1 Green Card to other visas here.