Visa Types
Athletes, Artists, and Entertainers
In addition to the documents required for each visa category described below, all visa candidates must submit the following items with their application:
- Passport
- One photo
- Application fee (mandat de compte)
- Self-addressed Chronopost envelope
Visa Type | Description | Documents to bring |
O | Persons of sustained national or international acclaim in the sciences, arts, education, business or athletics, coming to the US to work or perform in their field of achievement | DS-156, DS-157 |
P | Entertainers and athletes coming for specific competitions or performances, or who are participating in a reciprocal exchange program between the US and their country. This also includes those performing in culturally unique programs | DS-156, DS-157 |
Family: Spouses and children (under 21 years old) of O and P visa holders are eligible to accompany the principal applicant as long as he/she demonstrates the means to support his/her family while in the US. Couples must be legally married to qualify for such derivative visas, as the status of "concubinage" is not recognized by US immigration law. In addition to the basic documentation (DS-156, photos, passport, mandat, etc.), spouse and children of an O or P visa holder, must submit marriage and birth certificates along with a copy of the I-797 approved for the visa holder.
Fees: In some cases, you may also have to pay a "reciprocity fee." This will have to be paid once the visa has been authorized. Reciprocity fees vary by type of visa and the nationality of the applicant. This is based on what your government charges American citizens for an equivalent visa. Visit the Department of State's Reciprocity Fee Website to learn if your application requires a reciprocity fee. There is no reciprocity fee for French Nationals.