Nashville, also known as Music City, is home to recording studios, management companies, record companies, video production companies, performers, musicians, and song writers.  Rose Immigration Law Firm clients stand at the forefront of this exciting industry.  We pride ourselves for our creativity in accommodating the immigration needs of foreign performing artists, film directors, production personnel, and management. 

Accomplished Artists :  The immigration laws have two very specific visa categories for artists and other personnel in the entertainment industry:  O-1 visas for individuals and P-1 visas for groups.  The criteria for these visa categories require significant achievements and recognition.  However, you might still be able to qualify for O-1 or P-1 status even though your song or video has not hit the charts.  Also "culturally unique" acts might qualify for P-3 visa status. 

Special Status for Canadian Artists:  The Canadian AFM has an agreement with the U.S. AFM that qualifies certain Canadian artists for P-2 status.  You usually do not need an attorney for the P-2, but it is only issued for short periods of time.  For the artist who wants to perform and write without nagging thoughts of immigration status, the P-2 is not a recommended long-term option.

Technical Personnel and Management:  The immigration laws provide visas for technical personnel, such as sound engineers and production specialists, and for management in the entertainment industry.  These individuals can often qualify for an H-1B visa if the individual has a college degree or its equivalent through experience, if the position is one that normally requires a degree, if there is a solid "employer-employee" relationship, and if the employer is paying the prevailing wage as required by the government.  Because there are so many "ifs," H-1B status is not always practical.  This is especially true for independent contractors who may work on a royalty or per contract basis.  When H-1B doesn't work, NAFTA offers some excellent alternatives for technical and management people for Canada and Mexico.

Culturally Unique Visas: “Culturally unique” groups may qualify for P-3 visa status. This category requires evidence, in the form of expert letters and published reviews, that the group is culturally unique and is coming to the United States to perform for culturally unique events. Culturally unique includes a performance art form unique to a particular country, ethnicity, tribe, or other cultural subgroup. A traditional dance troupe from Bali is a good example of a culturally unique group that might qualify for a P-3 visa.

An alternative to the P-3 is the Q visa. This visa (once known as the "Disney visa") was created to promote artistic cultural exchange. Artists who will demonstrate and teach their unique art form in public settings may qualify for Q visa status. The cultural exchange venue or program must be designed to exhibit or explain the customs, history, or traditions of the artist's home country. An African musician who would perform at a cultural community center would be a good candidate for a Q visa.

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