[Tango-L] More New Guidance for U.S. Work Visas for Artists

[Lisa Battan]

Because we have discussed this issue before, I wanted to let you know that
USCIS released new guidance yesterday about O and P visas for artists.  The
new guidance makes the U.S. work visa process more difficult than it was
last year.  But, the situation is better than when USCIS released its
horrible "Fact Sheet" of October, 2009.  Some of the Fact Sheet requirements
remain and some have disappeared.

The new guidance is clear that a tango dancer can work in several locations
on one visa.  But, one of the organizers (employers) has to agree to act as
the agent for the other locations (for purposes of filing the visa petition
only).  And the other organizers (employers) have to allow the agent to act
on their behalf for purposes of filing the visa petition.

So, the process will be workable, but will involve more paper.  We will have
a contract between the sponsor/agent and the dancer, a contract between
every organizer and the dancer, and a letter by each organizer acknowledging
that the sponsor/agent can act as the visa petitioner (among other things).

The law is always fluid, especially in this area.  This email is not
intended as legal advice.  It's only a general notice to those of who
organize and sponsor dancers in the U.S.  If you want specific legal advice,
please consult an immigration lawyer.
-- 
Lisa E. Battan
Lisa E. Battan, P.C.
1909 26th Street, Suite 1F, Boulder, CO 80302
303-444-8668
fax: 303-444-4847
toll free: 1-866-614-8668
www.battanlaw.com

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