U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The enforcement and service functions and responsibilities of the Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) have transitioned to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Issue brief
- Important House and Senate committees
- Artists from Abroad
- USCIS Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker
- U.S. Department of State Forms DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application (formerly the OF-156) and DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application
- O and P Visa Tracking Form
- Find your USCIS Regional Field Office
- Link to the USCIS
- Learn about official U.S. Government Visa Policies
- A Quick Guide to Successful Visa Applications (pdf) by Carolelinda Dickey
- Department of Homeland Security Unveils (US-VISIT) Program
In response to the continuing Visa processing delays by USCIS and The State Department, TCG, along with other arts service organizations, surveyed the field to identify specific policy problems and gather feedback on proposals to remedy the situation.
Action Alerts:
2/15/07:
USCIS Proposes an Increase in Visa Processing Fees
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a proposed increase in visa processing fees for O and P visas. This proposed rule would increase the Form I-129 filing fee (from $190 to $320) and the Form I-824 filing fee (from $200 to $340). These new fees would increase the financial burden U.S. nonprofit performing arts petitioners already suffer when booking foreign guest artists.
ACTION: Please write to the Director of Regulatory Management Division USCIS to express your opposition to this proposal! Click here to see the American Arts Alliance webpage, the AAA Brief, and to access a sample letter.
5/26/06:
Tell Congress to Support Increase and Oppose Cuts to NEA Funding
The U.S. Senate approved a provision
to require U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to
speed up visa processing for artists as part of the comprehensive
immigration bill. The amendment would reduce the current processing
times for O and P arts-related visa petitions to a maximum of 45
days by requiring USCIS to treat any arts-related O and P visa petition
that it fails to adjudicate within 30 days as a Premium Processing
case, free of additional charge.
ACTION: Please take a moment to thank your leaders
for their work in support of the performing arts. Click here to the American Arts Alliance webpage, the Action Alert on this issue, and to access a sample letter to your Senator.
Artists from Abroad
Arts organizations are faced with increasing challenges when bringing international artists into the United States. Recognizing these challenges, the American Symphony Orchestra League and Association of Performing Arts Presenters have consulted with nationally-recognized experts to create Artists from Abroad—the most complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers, and performing arts organizations. Visit their website at www.artistsfromabroad.org.