Work not allowed on US tourist visas
Question:
I am a performer and I have received offers to perform in the United States after Carnival. I already have a ten-year tourist visa; can I use this to perform in the United States?
Answer:
No, the “B1/B2” tourist visa does not allow the traveller to work while in the United States.
If you want to work or perform in the US temporarily, you will need a specific visa based on the type of work you will be doing.
It is essential that you have the appropriate visa for the activities that you will engage in while in the United States. Misuse of a visa will affect your future eligibility for a non-immigrant visa and may lead to the revocation of existing visas.
Performers—including athletes, actors and musicians—who intend to perform in the US almost always need to apply for a “P” or “O” visa. Even if you are not being paid for a performance, you may still be required to travel on a performer visa. The process of applying for a performer visa is more complex than for a tourist visa and requires co-ordination with a sponsor in the United States.
To obtain a temporary worker visa, your sponsor in the United States must first file a Form I-129, Petition for Non-immigrant Worker. This petition must be filed with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and supporting documentation may be necessary at the time of submission.
Once the petition is approved, you will receive an approval notice; only after this notice is received can you proceed to apply for the relevant non-immigrant visa at the embassy.
The visa application process includes completing the DS-160 application form, registering on the information and appointment website, paying the application fee at Scotiabank, and scheduling and attending the visa interview.
Even if USCIS has approved your visa petition, the consular officer will make the final determination as to your eligibility for the visa.
The US embassy is committed to facilitating legitimate travel to the US to promote Trinidad and Tobago’s vibrant and diverse culture.
If you have questions about visa categories and the types of activities you can perform on each category of visa, visit travel.state.gov.
• For more information on the non-immigrant visa application process, please visit our website at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/.
Work not allowed on US tourist visas
BY : DAILY EXPRESS – Letters to the Editor
