Help!
The Play Date is Booked – What about a Visa?
The Merry Confusions of U.S. Immigration Law
Presentation for
Guitar Foundation of America
2010 International Convention & Presentation
Austin
June 23, 2010
James D. Prappas
Partner
Jackson Walker LLP
Disclaimer: This presentation is for informational purposes only, and is not intended to be considered legal advice. Each immigration
matter can only be examined and treated in the specific context of an individual’s facts and circumstances.
Prologue:
• Immigration a Complex Area of Law:
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20+ temporary visa categories
5 separate permanent employment-based categories, each with
multiple subcategories
• Interaction/Synergies Among Various U.S. Laws for Events
Employing Foreigners
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Employees, Employment Law & Unions
Contracts & Agents
Intellectual Property
Non-Profit Operations & Rules
SET I – Framing the Story
Current Challenges
**Plan Well Ahead to Avoid Show-Impacting Visa Delays**
(No Other Advice More Important)
• U.S. Government Concerns & Patriot Act
• Xenophobia & Anti-Foreign Sentiment/Stiff Examinations
• Lookout Systems & NSEERS
 E.g., “Similar Name” Hits
 Minor Criminal Issues in An Employee’s Past
• Employer Compliance and USICE Raids (union driven
sometimes)
Most Frequently Used Categories for
Musicians
• VWP (WB) – Visa-less Entry for Business
• B-1 - Visitor for Business
• O-1 – Outstanding Artist/Foreigner
• P-1 • H-1B – Professional/Specialty Worker
• F-1 Student
• J-1 Exchange Visitor
Set II – The Confusion Begins
(and the Characters Multiply)
Basic Criteria for VWP (WB) &
B-1 Business Entry
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•
•
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Temporary and Brief in Nature
Traveler Remains Employed Abroad & Will Return Abroad
Paid Abroad, Principle Work Done Abroad
Examples:
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Conferences
Negotiations
Set Designers – Installation of Foreign-Produced Sets
WB/B-1 Issues:
• “Gray Area” – Court’s Words
• What is “Work” and What is “Business”
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Distinctions: Less-Than-Clear
Directors: Prime “Gray” Example - Working, Generally
• Port of Entry USCBP Inspectors Lean toward “Work” if a Question
• Pushing the Limits Could Mean the Artist or Designer Could Face
Entry Problems
• Training (B-1 in lieu of H-3)
• Professional Competitions
O-1 Extraordinary Individuals
(Enter the Lead Guitarist)
• This Category Plays a “Leading Role” for Performance Artists (and
sometimes others)
• Definition: O-1 person is a person who "has extraordinary ability in the
sciences, arts, education, business or athletics which has been
demonstrated by sustained national or international acclaim”.
• Extraordinary ability in the arts means “distinction,” “a high level of
achievement in the field of arts evidenced by a degree of skill and
recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered”
 “Show me Your Grammy” or Oscar
Persons Who Have Achieved
Highest International Recognition
• Outstanding in at Least 3 of 10 Ways, e.g.,

International Awards (e.g., Nobel, Voice or Musician
Competitions)
 Awards & Recognized in Multiple Countries
 Performed at Prestigious Fora
 Top Reviews, Press
 Recommendations from Persons Famous in Their Own Right
 Commercial Success, High Salary
• Aim for 6-7, Otherwise USCIS Challenges
O-1 Issues
• Dual intent recognized -- there is no foreign residence requirement but
must be a temporary intent to remain.
• Consultations/Advisory Opinions -- O-1 petitions in the arts & sciences
must contain written advisory opinion from appropriate union, if one
exists, describing beneficiary’s ability/achievements in field and duties
to be performed.
• Recommendation letters should be heartfelt
• Spouses Cannot Work
• O-2: Support Personnel May Obtain O-2 if:
 Are an “integral part” of the O-1’s Performance;
 A longstanding work relationship with O-1
• Impresario/Itinerary Visas – if O-1 has a U.S.
agent
Set III – The Entire Group
(All the Supporting Musicians and Staff)
H-1B Professional/Specialty Employee
• Requirements:
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Professional or Specialty Occupations, e.g., In-House Personnel
Typically, 4-Year University Diploma, or Equivalent
Experience Counts
“Prevailing Wage” – Employer Must Pay
Cap & Lottery: 65,000/year
 20,000 for Holders of U.S. Master’s Degrees
 Spouses Cannot Work
P-1 Entertainment Groups
•
•
•
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E.g., Bands or Touring Company
Internationally Recognized
But Not Every Individual Performer Needs to be Outstanding
Together at Least One Year (75%)
Union Consultation Letter Required
Can Include “Essential Support Personnel” (the People on the Bus)
F-1 Students & Optional Practical Training
• F-1: Students in a Degree Program at an Approved University/School
• Music Students Often Eligible for:
 Curriculum Practical Training

As Specified in the School Curriculum/Credits
 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Valid for One Year Off-Campus Employment
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Can Act as “Bridge” to Other Categories, Chance to Add to CV
J-1 – Exchange Visitors
• A Very Useful Category for Younger, Not-Yet-Established Artists
• Purpose: Gain Experience and Cultural Exchange/Understanding
• Can Study or Train
• Often Used with Universities as Partner
• Independent J-1 training Programs Exist, e.g., BUNAC and AILF
Set 3, Almost Curtain Time – A Twist at the
End
An Association’s Own J-1 Program
•
Consider for an Association’s Established Training Program or
Studio
•
Pre-Approved by the Dept of State for Exchange Visitors
 Submit Training/Cultural Plan, etc to DOS for review
• Registered with Student &
Exchange Visitor Info System
(SEVIS)
• Need 5 Participants Annually
A New Character - Designated Official
• Guitar non-profit Decides Who Gets to be a Star
• Maximum Flexibility for non-profit in Judging Talent
• DO Issues the DS-2019 Form for Visa Application
• Artist Uses to Apply for Visa at Embassy
• Time Limits per Artist, Usually 2 Years
CURTAIN
[Applause]
Questions?
Contact Information:
James D. Prappas
Jackson Walker L.L.P.
1401 McKinney Street, Suite 1900
Houston, Texas 77010
713.752.4298 Direct dial
713.308.4151 Direct fax
[email protected]
www.jw.com
Curtain Call
[& More Applause]
[Ad Infinitum ……..]