Thread: American Visas - performing in the USA

I'm interested to hear from people who have taken the above-board route to performing in America and have obtained the suitable paperwork to do so.

When performing as part of a larger burlesque festival, does an unpaid performance from a UK artist constitute a "business" trip - and thusly, meaning one qualifies for the Visa Waiver Program?

Alternatively, due to the nature of performance, is the paid/unpaid aspect of the performance irrevelevant? Does a performance qualify as "work" rather than "business" regardless of whether the performer is paid for his/her show?

I don't want to hear about people who've avoided obtaining a visa... nor do I want to receive tips for how to get into the States without the paperwork... I only want to hear from informed individuals who have experience with US visas.

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Have you tried checkin out the US Department of State website? Being an American I only know about how to get a UK visa. There are Visas for everything over there. Just try:
Visa Home
and it should set you on the right path.

xx

Trixie

Yeah, been there, read it all, hence my post...

...there are a lot of very specific criteria that the website says you must meet, but there's no criteria that seem to match going to the states, as a performer, to give an unpaid performance. This is namely owing to the distinction between a "business" trip and a "work" trip.

I think we spoke about this recently; it is incredibly difficult to arrange.

However, I think Cecilia Rouge has the most recent information about obtaining a visa - i know she was looking into it recently.

Normally, most of the temp working visas are given out before May and the numbers are severely restricted.

The very best thing would be to call the American Embassy anonymously to discuss; it's what we did originally.

xx

In relation to your query re: business or work... the section on media visas may help.

Foreign Media, Press and Radio

AHA! Knew I'd find it somewhere; this is the business visa for NON-FINANCIAL gain

Business Visitor (B1) Visa

* This visa is for business visitors to America who intend to conduct business meetings, court hearings and engage in professional or commercial undertakings which will not result in financial gain.

Although:

The following activities require a working visa, and may not be carried out by business visitors:

* Running a business.
* "Gainful employment".
* Payment by an organization within the US.
* Participating as a professional in entertainment or sporting events.

http://www.workpermit.com/us/employer_b1_b2.htm

Which may give you the answer to what is considered business?

Originally Posted by Amelie Soleil

In relation to your query re: business or work... the section on media visas may help.

Foreign Media, Press and Radio

We don't fall under that section, I'm quite sure:

"Under immigration law, media visas are for “representatives of the foreign media,” including members of the press, radio, film or print industries, whose activities are essential to the foreign media function, such as reporters, film crews, editors and persons in similar occupations, traveling to the U.S. to engage in their profession."

I might drop Cecilia a line via MySpace... thanks for the tip!

lol i know we don't!

it just explains a little more about what is considered business and what isn't

xx

Originally Posted by Amelie Soleil

it just explains a little more about what is considered business and what isn't

It does? The bit about who does/does not qualify for a media visa?

Oh God, this is an instance in which a massive flow-chart would actually be REALLY useful. I bet the staff at the embassy have them!

Having a Bangladeshi passport means that I need visas all the damn time. The US visa is particularly finicky!

I'd say prepare for the worst-case scenario - which I'd define as the strictest, most-paperwork-needed, most time-consuming version. That way you'd be prepared for whatever eventuality. If you can get sponsor letters from the people on the US side (saying why you're there) that'd be good.

Sorry I can't really answer your question but good luck!

Speak to Wild Card Kitty or Des O'Conner (the uke player...not the chat show host). I believe they performed at the New York Burlesque Festival last year.