US Grants More P3 Visas to Nepali Artists, Opening Doors for Performances in the Country

The US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs reports a significant surge in P3 visa approvals for Nepali artists in the first four months of fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to January 2024). With 18 approvals, compared to only 10 for the entirety of fiscal year 2023, this suggests a potentially smoother path for Nepali artists to showcase their talents on a professional level.

The trend in P3 visa approvals for Nepali artists is very encouraging, showing a significant increase during the first four months of fiscal year 2024. In October 2023, six visas were granted, followed by three in November and a substantial jump to nine in December. However, there were no approvals in January 2024.

It’s crucial to understand the difference between visa types. P3 visas are specifically required for professional artists who want to perform for payment in the US. These visas offer a validity period of up to one year with the possibility of a one-year extension. Regular visitor visas, categorized as B1/B2, are not intended for paid performances.

While B1/B2 visas allow for some limited amateur performances, they don’t permit artists to perform for compensation. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has the authority to deny entry to artists with B1/B2 visas if they suspect plans for paid performances. CBP considers various factors during their decision-making process, including information from the visa application, the artist’s social media activity, and their background.

The consequences of performing without a valid work visa can be serious. Entering the US on a B1/B2 visa and performing without a P3 visa can lead to the revocation of the visitor visa, making it difficult to obtain future visas. In extreme cases, artists caught performing illegally might face fines or even detention.