P2 Visa
P2 Visa Information
What is a P2 Visa?
For Canadian musicians to work in the US, you need a temporary “Classification P2 Work Permit”, or other non-immigrant permit (see the CFM website for more information).
For unpaid work, musicians may be eligible to enter the U.S. under B1 status.
P2 Work Visa processing times:
For Regular Processing it is recommended to submit your P2 package 3 - 10 months, plus up to 5 business days for AFM review and processing. There is a backlog at one of the USCIS processing centers. Provide a $510 USD money order, payable to "Department of Homeland Security".
For Premium Processing it is recommended you submit your P2 package 30 days prior to your first gig. Provide 2 separate money orders in the amount of $510 USD, the other $2,805 USD, both payable to "Department of Homeland Security.
Please note that all P2 Work Visa applications are processed in Toronto and the time frame for processing is based on when it is received in Toronto.
**NOTE: the time frames above are for Canadian Citizens only. There are extra steps, time and cost for Permanent Residents: Permanent Residents_P2 Extra Steps, Time and Costs
P2 Assistance
If you would like a VMA staff member to review your P2, please email [email protected] or call (604) 737-1110 to make an appointment. We can courier your P2 application to Toronto on your behalf at a cost of $50.00.
Foreign Artists (from the US and abroad) wanting to work in Canada
If you are trying to bring a foreign artist or group into Canada to perform please contact:
Susan Whitfield
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 416-391-5161 ext.223
- Toll free in Canada: 1-800-463-6333 ext.223