1. Introduction

The B-1 Business Visa is available for business visitors coming to the United States for business purposes, such as attending meetings or conventions. Amateur artists and entertainers can also use it to apply for temporary entry to the US. However, this visa type is not appropriate for them if they intend on performing services except under limited circumstances. 

It’s better to get a visa that can last for a year and allow multiple entries to the US and is related to the specific activity you’re going to perform in the country. Furthermore, a B-1 visa doesn’t allow the artist to earn from any performance.

However, an artist or entertainer can opt for a B-1 Visa in the following instances:

• If they will participate in an event before a nonpaying audience, and the sending country sponsors them;
• If they are coming to the US to join a competition where only the prize money can be the source of remuneration; 
• If they are only using recording facilities in the US for records that they will sell outside the country (this is a very unlikely option in today’s streaming format);
• If they will not have any public performance, especially in front of a paying audience; 
• If they are coming to the US to use the country as a source of inspiration, either for sculpting, painting, etc. but have no intentions to sell any artworks inside the country.

2. Advantages

• Faster approval times 
• Doesn’t require USCIS approval for a nonimmigrant petition
• Artists can apply for the visa directly with the nearest American Consulate.

3. Limitations

• Artists cannot receive a salary or similar pay in exchange for their services, except as prize money or as reimbursement of their expenses. 
• Initial visa validity is only 6 months but can be extended. 
• This visa is unlikely to be utilized for the purpose of artists visiting recording studios as the requirement that the recording be distributed and sold only outside the United States is very unlikely and impractical these days. 
• Dependents can only join the artist if they qualify for a B-2 visa.

   

4. B-1 Visa Requirements

• The artist must have permanent residence in a foreign country and only stay in the US temporarily. 
• The artist must provide evidence that they have sufficient funding for the entire trip or have a sponsor to vouch for their financial resources. 
• The artist must show significant ties to his or her home country.

5. Additional Resources

• H-1B Visa
• L-1 Visa
• Employment Based Immigration
• O-1 Visa