Changes in immigration law are affecting the ability of many people to come to the United States and work, including artists from other countries. This generally requires what are known as O-1B or P-1B visas, but increasingly, there are reports that cumbersome requirements are creating a backlog and resulting in more visas being denied. The O-1B visa is issued to individuals. The P-1B is for groups of two or more artists. There is a third type of visa as well for what is known as the “culturally unique” artist, the P3.

One dance company reported having to make last-minute replacements after two Paris-based dancers’ visas were denied. The executive director said that this had only happened one other time in 25 years, and that person had a passport issue. Visas were also denied for members of the Bolshoi Ballet, and a performance by a dance company from South Korea had to be cancelled.

Directions from the Trump administration mean that it is more difficult to get an initial O-1B visa approved or a renewal. The process is also time-consuming. Organizations can pay more for premium processing, but so many are doing this that premium processing times are rising as well. Immigration attorneys also report that the application process is a complex one with many opportunities for errors.

Many aspects of immigration law are changing. People who want to come to the United States to work, study or join family members or who are seeking asylum or facing deportation may want to consult an attorney. Immigration laws are complex, and errors in applications and other paperwork can result in costly delays or even denial. An attorney might guide a person through the process of getting legal permission to reside and work in the country temporarily or permanently.