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    O-1B · P-1 · P-3 · EB-1 · New York

    US work authorization
    for working artists

    Work authorization is career infrastructure — the foundation under your US bookings, releases, and brand deals. We prepare and file O-1B, P, and EB-1 petitions as one move in a longer career strategy: built around your actual record, timed to your engagements, and coordinated with your manager and team.

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    A theatre’s stage door ajar at dusk, warm light down the steps, a scuffed road case waiting at the threshold.

    Who we work with

    Musicians & recording artists · Actors & voice performers · Dancers & choreographers · Models & creative directors · Fine artists & illustrators · Designers & art directors · Content creators & digital talent · Production teams & touring crews

    Finding the right pathway

    Each visa category has distinct eligibility criteria. The right choice depends on your career profile, the type of engagement, and your long-term plans — we assess this at the outset.

    O-1B

    Extraordinary Ability in the Arts

    Fits

    Individual artists, musicians, performers, designers, and creators with sustained national or international recognition.

    Evidence standard

    Critical roles at distinguished organizations, press coverage, high-relative compensation, original contributions of significant import, and similar documented achievements — evaluated as a whole.

    Typical use

    A lead recording artist preparing a US album cycle, a choreographer hired by a major ballet company, or a fashion designer launching a namesake label.

    P-1 / P-3

    Internationally Recognized Groups & Cultural Artists

    Fits

    P-1: Internationally recognized entertainment groups or individual athletes performing at a specific event. P-3: Artists or entertainers in a culturally unique program.

    Evidence standard

    P-1 requires documentation of international recognition over a sustained period; P-3 requires evidence that the program is culturally unique and that competent authorities have recognized the authenticity of the form.

    Typical use

    A touring band with international festival credits (P-1) or a traditional music ensemble presenting culturally distinctive programming (P-3).

    EB-1A

    Immigrant Visa — Extraordinary Ability

    Fits

    Established artists seeking permanent US residence. Self-petitioned — no employer or job offer required.

    Evidence standard

    Similar evidentiary framework as O-1B but applied to an immigrant standard: sustained acclaim, significant contributions to the field, and recognition that the artist’s continued work will substantially benefit the US.

    Typical use

    A working artist already on O-1B status who has built a substantial US career and is ready to pursue lawful permanent residence.

    No guaranteed timelines or outcomes. Premium processing, when elected, commits USCIS to act within 15 business days of filing. All matters are fact-specific.

    How a petition comes together

    01

    Consultation

    15-minute complimentary call to understand your career profile, intended engagements, and immigration history.

    02

    Conflict check & fit assessment

    We run a preliminary conflict check and assess the strongest pathway — O-1B, P visa, or EB-1 — based on your documented record.

    03

    Evidence building

    We work with you to identify, gather, and present the documentation that makes the strongest possible file: press, contracts, letters, touring history, and industry recognition.

    04

    Petition drafting & filing

    We prepare the full petition package — support letter, legal brief, exhibits, and all required forms — and handle filing with USCIS, including any required union consultation.

    05

    Decision and beyond

    We monitor the petition, respond to any requests for evidence, and advise on next steps: extensions, status changes, and long-term pathways when you are ready.

    Confidential from the first message

    Everything shared through intake is reviewed under a preliminary conflict check — whether or not an engagement follows.

    Conflict check before engagement

    We identify any conflicts at the outset, so there are no surprises once work begins.

    Federal petitions, coast-to-coast

    Immigration petitions are federal. Wherever you are based or touring, the filing is prepared the same way.

    Common questions

    Ready to find out which pathway fits your career? The first conversation is complimentary — no obligation.

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