The United States offers several visa categories to accommodate not only foreign nationals who come to the country to work, study, or perform, but also their families. For athletes, entertainers, and artists entering under the P visa classifications, the P4 visa provides a legal route for immediate family members to accompany them.
What this article is about: This guide explains the P4 visa, a dependent nonimmigrant category available to spouses and children of P visa holders. It sets out who qualifies for this visa, how to apply, and what rights and limitations apply once in the United States. Employers, applicants, and families will find clear information on eligibility, the application process, and important compliance considerations. By the end, you will understand how the P4 visa enables families to remain together during the main visa holder’s time in the US.
The P4 visa is specifically designed for dependants of P1, P2, and P3 visa holders. These categories cover internationally recognized athletes, members of internationally recognized entertainment groups, performers in reciprocal exchange programs, and culturally unique artists or entertainers. Without the P4 visa route, spouses and children of these individuals would have to apply for separate visas, often unsuitable for their circumstances.
Through this visa, US immigration law recognizes the importance of family unity while balancing the conditions placed on nonimmigrant entrants. However, it is also important to understand that while the P4 visa grants the right to reside and study in the US, it does not allow employment. Families considering relocation must therefore plan carefully around work restrictions and financial support.
Section A: What is the P4 Visa?
The P4 visa is a dependent nonimmigrant visa that allows the immediate family of P visa holders to join them in the United States. It ensures that spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 can live lawfully in the US for the same duration as the principal visa holder. This arrangement is critical for families, as it maintains family unity during periods of international work, competition, or performance.
The P visa classifications cover a wide range of individuals working in the fields of sport, entertainment, and culture:
- P1 visas are primarily for internationally recognized athletes, either individually or as part of a team, and for members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.
- P2 visas are for artists or entertainers participating in reciprocal exchange programs between the US and another country.
- P3 visas are for artists or entertainers who will perform, teach, or coach in culturally unique programs.
The P4 visa is the dependent counterpart to these categories, ensuring that family members are not left behind while the principal applicant pursues opportunities in the US. Importantly, the P4 visa does not exist as a standalone category. It is entirely dependent on the validity of the principal P visa. If the main visa holder’s status changes, expires, or is revoked, the dependant’s P4 status will be directly affected.
Section A Summary: The P4 visa is a dependent visa designed to allow spouses and children of P1, P2, and P3 visa holders to live in the United States for the same period as the main visa holder. It reflects the principle of family unity in US immigration law, while remaining conditional on the principal visa holder’s status.
Section B: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a P4 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are immediate family members of a valid P visa holder. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and the Department of State take a strict approach to eligibility, meaning only certain family members can apply.
1. Who qualifies as a dependant
Only two categories of family members are eligible for the P4 visa:
- The spouse of a P visa holder, including same-sex spouses where the marriage is legally valid in the jurisdiction where it was performed.
- Unmarried children under 21 years of age of a P visa holder.
This definition excludes other relatives, such as parents, siblings, or extended family. These individuals cannot obtain a P4 visa and would need to explore alternative visa categories if they wish to accompany the P visa holder.
2. Proof of relationship requirements
Applicants must provide documentary evidence of their relationship to the P visa holder. This includes:
- Marriage certificates for spouses.
- Birth certificates for children.
- Other legal documents where required, such as adoption decrees.
Failure to provide adequate proof will almost certainly result in the refusal of the P4 application.
3. Status dependency
The P4 visa is wholly dependent on the status of the main P visa holder. This means that:
- If the principal P visa is revoked, the P4 visa automatically becomes invalid.
- If the P visa holder changes status, the P4 dependants may also need to adjust their status to remain lawfully in the US.
- Dependants cannot stay in the US beyond the authorised stay of the P visa holder as reflected on their Form I-94 arrival/departure record.
4. Limitations on other family members
Parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins, and other extended family members are not eligible for the P4 visa. If they wish to visit, they may need to apply under other visa categories, such as the B2 tourist visa, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.
Section B Summary: Eligibility for the P4 visa is limited strictly to spouses (including legally recognised same-sex marriages) and unmarried children under 21 of a valid P visa holder. Proof of relationship is a mandatory requirement, and the dependant’s status is entirely tied to the main visa holder. Extended family members are excluded and must consider alternative visa routes.
Section C: Application Process
Applying for a P4 visa follows many of the same procedural steps as other US nonimmigrant visas. However, because the visa is dependent on the main P visa holder, applicants must carefully prepare documentation that ties their case to the principal visa.
1. Required forms
Each P4 applicant must complete Form DS-160, the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is the standard application for most temporary visas to the United States. After completion, applicants must print the confirmation page with the barcode to present at their visa interview.
2. Visa fees
Each dependant must pay the applicable nonimmigrant visa fee. Fees are set by the US Department of State and must be paid before scheduling the visa interview. Depending on nationality, additional reciprocity fees may also apply.
3. Documentation
Applicants should prepare a comprehensive set of documents, including:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity beyond the intended period of stay in the US.
- The DS-160 confirmation page.
- A recent passport-style photograph.
- Proof of relationship to the P visa holder (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate, adoption papers).
- Evidence of the principal P visa holder’s approval notice (Form I-797) or a copy of their visa if already issued.
- Proof of financial support if requested, demonstrating that the family will not become a public charge.
4. Interview and consular processing
Most P4 applicants will need to attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate abroad. During the interview, a consular officer will assess the genuineness of the relationship to the P visa holder and the applicant’s intent to comply with the visa’s terms. Children under 14 and applicants over 79 may be exempt from the interview requirement. Dependants may apply at the same time as the P visa holder, which is often preferred, or later if necessary.
5. Processing times
Processing times for P4 visas vary depending on the embassy or consulate, the time of year, and whether further administrative processing is required. Families should plan ahead, as delays could affect travel plans or the ability to accompany the P visa holder at the start of their US engagement.
6. Practical tips
- Submit accurate and consistent information across all applications to avoid delays.
- Keep copies of all supporting documents, particularly proof of relationship.
- Schedule the P4 visa interviews as close as possible to the main P visa holder’s appointment to streamline the family’s application process.
Section C Summary: The P4 application process requires completion of the DS-160 form, payment of fees, and provision of proof of relationship to the P visa holder. Most applicants must attend a consular interview abroad, and processing times can vary. Careful preparation of documentation is crucial to ensure approval and timely travel.
Section D: Rights and Limitations of P4 Visa Holders
The P4 visa allows family members of P visa holders to live lawfully in the United States, but it comes with specific rights and restrictions. Families should be aware of what they can and cannot do under this status to remain compliant with US immigration law.
1. Residence rights
P4 visa holders are permitted to reside in the United States for the same length of time as the principal P visa holder. Their authorised stay is directly linked to the validity of the main visa and recorded on their Form I-94 arrival/departure record. Once the principal’s visa expires, changes, or is revoked, the P4 visa automatically becomes invalid.
2. Education for children
Children on a P4 visa are entitled to enrol in US schools and pursue education without the need for a separate student visa. This applies to both public and private schooling.
3. Employment restrictions
P4 visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States. They cannot obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) under this status, unlike certain other dependent visa categories such as L2 or some H-4 visas. Any spouse or dependant seeking employment must qualify for a separate work visa or change status within the US if eligible. Attempting to work without proper authorisation is a breach of immigration rules and can jeopardise both the dependant’s and the principal’s immigration status.
4. Study opportunities for spouses
Spouses on a P4 visa are permitted to study in the US, including attending university or vocational training programmes, without needing to switch to an F or M student visa. However, they remain subject to the no-work restriction.
5. Changing status
P4 visa holders may apply to change their status in the US if they become eligible for another visa category. This requires filing an application with USCIS for a change of status, or applying through consular processing abroad. For example, a spouse offered employment by a US company might be able to transition to an H-1B or other work visa, provided they meet the requirements.
Section D Summary: The P4 visa grants the right to live and study in the US but does not authorise employment or EAD issuance. Dependants are tied to the principal visa holder’s I-94 validity and must leave the US once that status ends unless they obtain a new visa. Families should plan carefully around work restrictions and consider future immigration options if their stay is long-term.
FAQs
Can P4 visa holders work in the US?
No. P4 visa holders are not authorised to work in the United States and cannot obtain Employment Authorization Documents (EADs). They must either qualify for a separate work visa or change status if eligible.
How long is the P4 visa valid?
The P4 visa is valid for the same period as the principal P visa holder. The dependant’s authorised stay is determined by their Form I-94 record and will end when the main visa holder’s status ends unless extended.
Can P4 visa holders study in the US?
Yes. Both spouses and children on a P4 visa are permitted to study in the United States without applying for a separate student visa. This includes full-time education at schools, colleges, or universities.
Can a P4 visa holder switch to another visa category?
Yes. A P4 visa holder can apply to change status if they become eligible for another visa, such as a work or student visa. This requires filing with USCIS for a change of status or applying at a US consulate abroad. Approval is not automatic and depends on eligibility for the new category.
Do P4 visa holders need to attend a visa interview?
Most applicants must attend a consular interview, although children under 14 and adults over 79 are usually exempt. The interview verifies the relationship to the P visa holder and confirms eligibility.
Are extended family members eligible for a P4 visa?
No. Only spouses (including legally recognised same-sex spouses) and unmarried children under 21 are eligible. Other family members, such as parents or siblings, must apply under different visa categories, such as the B2 tourist visa.
Conclusion
The P4 visa plays a vital role in maintaining family unity for athletes, artists, and entertainers entering the United States under the P1, P2, or P3 visa categories. By allowing spouses and children under 21 to accompany the principal visa holder, it provides stability and support during temporary stays in the US.
However, the visa carries restrictions that families must plan around, most notably the inability for dependants to work or obtain Employment Authorization Documents under P4 status. While children can pursue education and spouses may study, financial arrangements must rely on the income of the principal visa holder or other lawful sources.
Because P4 status is entirely dependent on the principal’s visa and recorded on each dependant’s Form I-94, families should remain vigilant about the principal’s validity and travel plans. Any change to that status directly impacts the dependants. For families considering longer-term options, explore change-of-status routes early where eligibility exists.
In summary, the P4 visa offers a clear pathway for families to remain together during a P visa holder’s US engagements, provided they understand and comply with the rights and limitations attached to this status.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| P Visa | A US nonimmigrant visa for athletes, artists, and entertainers entering the US temporarily to perform, compete, or take part in cultural programmes. |
| P4 Visa | A dependent visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a P visa holder, allowing them to live in the US for the same period as the principal. |
| USCIS | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the federal agency responsible for handling immigration petitions and applications. |
| DS-160 | The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form required for most temporary US visa applications, including the P4 visa. |
| Form I-797 | A notice of action issued by USCIS, often used to confirm approval of a principal visa petition. |
| Form I-94 | The arrival/departure record issued to foreign nationals entering the US, confirming their authorised period of stay. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| USCIS – P Visa (Athletes, Artists & Entertainers) | uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/temporary-workers/p-visa-athletes-artists-and-entertainers |
| US Department of State – P Visa Overview (including family members) | travel.state.gov/…/p-visa-athletes-artists-entertainers.html |
| Form DS-160 – Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application | ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ |
| CBP – Form I-94 (View/Print Your I-94) | i94.cbp.dhs.gov |
| USCIS – Change of Status in the United States | uscis.gov/i539 |
Author
Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.
Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.