For internationally recognized athletes, artists, and entertainers, a P visa provides access to performing or competing in the United States. But for most, this incredible career opportunity is a journey best shared with family. The US immigration system acknowledges this through the P-4 visa, a specific category designed for accompanying family members.
At Remitly, we’re dedicated to providing clear, reliable information to help you manage your life across borders. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of the family visa for P visa holders, including eligibility, application steps, and the benefits and limitations your family can expect in the US.
What is the P-4 visa?
The P-4 visa is a dependent visa for athletes and entertainers. It is a non-immigrant visa designed for the spouse or children of a P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder. It is not a standalone visa; its validity is tied to the primary visa holder’s status.
Defining the P-4
The P-4 visa is the official US immigration tool that allows the legal spouse and unmarried minor children of a P visa holder to accompany them to the United States. Its sole purpose is to facilitate family unity, enabling the family to live together legally in the US for the duration of the principal visa holder’s authorized events, competitions, or performances.
Understanding the principal P visas
To understand the P-4, it’s essential to know who the principal P-1, P-2, and P-3 visa holders are. The P-4 visa is granted to their dependents.
P-1 visa: This category is for internationally recognized individual athletes (P-1A) or members of internationally recognized entertainment groups (P-1B).
P-2 visa: This is for artists or entertainers, performing individually or as part of a group, who are entering the US through a reciprocal exchange program between an organization in the US and one in a foreign country.
P-3 visa: This is for artists or entertainers, performing individually or as part of a group, who are coming to the US to perform, teach, or coach in a program that is culturally unique.
If your spouse or parent holds one of these visas, you may be eligible to apply for a P-4 visa to join them.
P-4 visa eligibility requirements
To qualify for a P-4 visa, you must first prove your relationship to the principal P visa holder. The requirements are straightforward, but require precise documentation.
Who qualifies as a P-4 dependent?
The P-4 visa is available to you only if you are either:
- The legal spouse of a valid P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder.
- An unmarried child, under the age of 21, of a valid P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder.
The key terms here are “legal” and “unmarried.” Common-law partnerships are generally not sufficient for P-4 eligibility unless the relationship is legally recognized as a full marriage in the jurisdiction where it occurred. Similarly, children must be unmarried at the time of application and entry into the US.
Required documentation for the P-4 visa application
A complete, well-organized application package is the most critical factor for a smooth visa process. You will need to provide documents that prove your identity, your relationship to the P visa holder, and the validity of their status.
Core documents for each P-4 applicant
Every person applying for a P-4 visa must have their own set of these documents:
- Valid passport: The passport must be valid for travel to the US and have an expiration date at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page: You can print this once you have completed the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
- Passport-sized photographs: You’ll need two identical recent color photographs that meet the US Department of State’s specific requirements.
- Visa application fee receipt: This is to show that you have paid the non-refundable visa application fee.
Evidence of the principal’s P visa status
This documentation proves that the person you are accompanying has a valid reason for being in the US.
- A copy of the principal P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder’s passport and valid visa stamp.
- A copy of the Form I-797 Approval Notice for their Form I-129 petition, which was filed by their US employer or agent.
- A letter from the principal visa holder’s US employer or petitioner detailing the nature of the work, the duration of the events or performances, and the itinerary.
Proof of the family relationship
This is the evidence that establishes your eligibility as a dependent.
- For a spouse: a copy of the official, government-issued marriage certificate
- For a child: a copy of the official, government-issued birth certificate listing the P visa holder as a parent—for adopted children, the final adoption decree is required
It is essential that if any of these documents are not in English, you must provide a complete, certified English translation.
Demonstrating financial support and intent to depart
You must also show that you will not become a public charge in the US and that you intend to return home after the principal’s stay is over.
- Evidence of financial support: This can include the principal visa holder’s employment contract, bank statements, or other proof of income showing they can support the family.
- Proof of ties to home country: Documents like property deeds, proof of enrollment in school back home, or letters from employers can help demonstrate your intent to return.
The P-4 application process: a step-by-step guide
The process for obtaining a P-4 visa primarily takes place at a US embassy or consulate in your home country.
Step 1: The principal’s P visa petition is approved
The journey for a P-4 dependent begins only after the US employer or agent has successfully filed Form I-129, Petition for a Non-immigrant Worker, for the principal P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder, and it has been approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 online application
Each family member applying for a P-4 visa must complete their own Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This form gathers personal history, travel plans, and information about the principal P visa holder. It must be filled out accurately and honestly.
Step 3: Pay the visa fee and schedule an interview
After submitting the DS-160, you must pay the visa application fee. Once the fee is paid, you can schedule an interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. It is often possible to schedule all family members for the same interview slot.
Step 4: Attend the consular interview
This is the final and most important step. You must attend the interview with all your required and supporting documents. A consular officer will ask questions to verify your identity, your relationship to the principal applicant, and your intentions in the US. Be prepared to answer questions clearly and honestly. If the interview is successful, the officer will approve the visa, which will then be placed in your passport.
Changing status to P-4 from within the US
If you are already in the US in another valid non-immigrant status (e.g., as a B-2 visitor), you may be able to change your status to P-4 without leaving the country. This requires filing Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, with USCIS.
Visa validity, duration, and renewals
The P-4 visa status is directly linked to the principal P visa holder’s status.
How long your P-4 visa lasts
The P-4 visa is granted for the same period as the principal P-1, P-2, or P-3 holder’s visa. This means if the P-1 athlete’s visa is approved for a two-year competition schedule, the P-4 visas for their spouse and children will also be valid for two years.
The process for extending your stay
If the P visa holder’s employment in the US is extended, the P-4 dependents can also apply to extend their stay. The employer must first file for an extension for the principal worker. Once that is approved, the P-4 dependents can file Form I-539 to request an extension of their status, ensuring the whole family remains in legal status together. The extension will be granted to match the new validity period of the principal’s status.
Key limitations and benefits of the P-4 visa
Living in the US on a P-4 visa comes with one major benefit and one critical restriction.
The major benefit: studying in the US
A significant advantage of the P-4 visa is that dependents are permitted to attend school in the United States. This allows your children to enroll in primary, secondary, or post-secondary institutions without needing to obtain a separate F-1 student visa. Your spouse can also pursue full-time or part-time academic or vocational studies.
This is the most important rule for P-4 visa holders to understand: you are not authorized to work in the United States. This prohibition is absolute. Engaging in any form of unauthorized employment is a serious violation of your visa status and can lead to the revocation of your visa and future inadmissibility to the US. If a P-4 spouse wishes to work, they must independently qualify for and obtain their own work visa, such as an H-1B or O-1.
Common challenges and solutions
Being aware of potential hurdles can help you prepare a stronger application.
Synchronizing travel and application timelines
It can be stressful trying to align the family’s visa applications and travel with the principal’s often tight performance or competition schedule. Begin the P-4 application process as soon as the principal’s P visa is approved. Check the visa appointment wait times at your local US consulate online and book the earliest available slot.
Proving the validity of the relationship at the interview
Consular officers are trained to detect fraud. They will scrutinize the relationship to ensure it is bona fide. It’s advisable to bring more than just your official marriage certificate. For spouses, having photos together from different time periods (dating, wedding, etc.) can be helpful. For children, the officer might ask simple questions to confirm the family relationship. The secret here is to be genuine and honest.
Sometimes, an application can be put into “administrative processing” for further review, causing delays. While you cannot control this, you can minimize the risk by submitting a complete and unambiguous application. If your case is delayed, you can check its status online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Tips for a successful P-4 application
Apply as a family unit when possible: If the principal P visa holder has not yet had their interview, try to schedule all family members for the same appointment. This allows the consular officer to review the entire case holistically.
Prepare a thorough document file: Use a checklist. Organize your documents in a clear folder with sections for each applicant. This professionalism shows the officer that you are a serious and prepared applicant.
Be clear and honest during the interview: The consular officer’s main job is to verify your eligibility. Answer their questions directly and truthfully. Do not provide vague answers or offer information that was not requested.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the P-4 visa?
The legal spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of a principal P-1, P-2, or P-3 visa holder are eligible to apply for a P-4 visa.
Can P-4 visa holders work in the US?
No. P-4 visa holders are strictly prohibited from working in the United States. To work, a P-4 dependent must obtain their own separate work visa.
Are P-4 visa holders permitted to study in the US?
Yes. This is a key benefit. P-4 dependents are allowed to enroll in schools, colleges, and universities at any level, from kindergarten to post-graduate studies, without needing a separate student visa.
How long does the P-4 visa application process take?
The processing time largely depends on the wait time for a visa interview at your local US embassy or consulate. This can range from a few weeks to several months. Once the interview is complete, visa issuance is usually quite fast, often within a week.
Does the P-4 visa holder’s status depend on the P visa holder?
Yes, completely. The P-4 status is entirely contingent on the principal P visa holder maintaining their valid status. If the P-1, P-2, or P-3 holder’s status is revoked, terminated, or expires, the P-4 dependents also lose their status.