Q. What is a consultation letter, and why do I need one?
A. The USCIS asks that you include a letter from an appropriate peer group or union (in this case the American Federation of Musicians) to establish that the artist or group who is traveling to this country meets the standard of being Internationally Renowned (in the case of O-1B and P-1B Visas) or Culturally Unique (in the case of P-3 Visas). P-2 Visas are issued for artists and entertainers performing under a reciprocal exchange program--for example, Canadian musicians coming to perform in the U.S.

Note: Our letter is based on the evidence and information supplied in your petition package. Letters will only be issued after reviewing your completed petition just before you send it to USCIS.

Q. Does the AFM issue consultations for any cultural artist or group?
A. No—the AFM issues consultations on behalf of artists and groups in which instrumentalists make up least 50% of the personnel . Consultation letters for artists such as dancers, actors, stage managers, stage technicians, operatic singers and writers are issued by other unions.

Q. Which Visa should I apply for—an O-1B, P-1B, P-2 or P-3?
A. An O-1B Visa is for an individual artist of International Renown; that is, well known outside his or her home country. A P-1B is for a group that meets the same standard.
P-2 Visas are issued for Canadian artists/musicians entering the U.S. If you need assistance with a P-2 Visa, please contact our Canadian Office at 416.391.5161.
P-3 Visas are for groups which are Culturally Unique—for example, musicians who perform folk music of their home country.

Q. What information do I need to provide in order to receive a letter from the AFM?
A. We need the following information in order to issue a letter of consultation:

• A cover letter explaining who the musicians are, where they are from, and what qualifies them as Culturally Unique or Internationally Renowned.
• For P-1 and P-3 visa requests please include a list of each musician and what instrument(s) they will play. For P-1 Visa requests also include the length of time each member has been with the P-1 Group.
• A copy of the USCIS form I-129.
• Copies of any written contracts between the petitioner and the alien beneficiary, including what wages will be earned; or, if there is no written contract, a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which the alien(s) will be employed.
• A copy of the itinerary.
• Support materials such as reviews, CD covers, programs, etc. which establishes the group or instrumental artist. Please note: Support materials must feature the instrumentalists—information on singers/actors/dancers only is NOT sufficient.
• Your fax and telephone number.
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Q. Ok. I don’t have an I-129 form—can you send that to me?
A. No—the AFM provides the consultation letter required by the USCIS but does not supply USCIS forms.

Q. Does the AFM charge a fee for this service?
The AFM charges an administrative processing fee of $250.00 for each
“P-1B,” P-3,” and “O” consultation letter (please consult the Canadian office for fee information regarding “P-2” consultations).
The normal processing time for a non-expedited request is 5 to 10 business days.
For those wishing for a response within 2 business days (expedited service), the fee is $300.00 per consultation letter.