The P visa category provides a lawful route for athletes, entertainers, artists, and their essential support personnel to come to the United States for professional engagements. To ensure families can remain together during these assignments, US immigration law also makes provision for immediate family members of P visa holders through the P4 dependant visa.
What this article is about: This guide explains the P4 visa in detail. It covers eligibility requirements for spouses and children, the application process at US consulates, the rights and restrictions that apply to P4 visa holders, and practical considerations for maintaining lawful status. It clarifies when matters are handled by consulates (visa issuance) versus USCIS (status extensions and changes) to help families plan correctly.
Section A: What is the P4 Visa?
The P4 visa is a nonimmigrant route under US immigration law that allows the immediate family members of P visa holders to accompany them to the United States. It is designed to ensure that families are not separated when athletes, entertainers, or artists travel to the US for temporary professional purposes under the P1, P2, or P3 visa categories.
The P4 visa is strictly a dependant visa. This means it cannot be obtained independently and is always tied to the status of a principal P visa holder. If the principal’s visa is refused, revoked, or expires, the dependant’s P4 status will also be affected.
Family members eligible for a P4 visa include the legal spouse of the P visa holder and their unmarried children under the age of 21. Parents, siblings, extended family, and children over 21 do not qualify. The purpose of this visa is to allow the nuclear family unit to remain together while the principal pursues their activities in the United States.
Unlike employment-based visas, the P4 visa does not confer work authorisation. Its function is to provide lawful residence and, in many cases, access to education for children, rather than to facilitate employment opportunities for dependants.
Section summary
The P4 visa is a dependant visa that allows spouses and unmarried children under 21 to join a principal P visa holder in the United States. It is tied to the status of the main visa holder and provides family unity, though it does not allow dependants to work.
Section B: Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for a P4 visa, the applicant must demonstrate a valid and recognised family relationship to the principal P visa holder. The eligibility framework is narrow and defined by US immigration law to ensure the visa is reserved for immediate dependants only.
1. Recognised Family Relationships
The P4 visa is available exclusively to the legal spouse of a P visa holder and their unmarried children under the age of 21. Proof of the relationship must be provided through official documents, such as a marriage certificate for a spouse or birth certificates for children. Cohabiting partners, fiancés, or extended family members are not eligible under this category.
2. Principal Visa Holder’s Status
The dependant’s eligibility depends entirely on the principal maintaining lawful P1, P2, or P3 status. This means the P4 visa application must be supported by the principal visa holder’s approved petition and valid visa documentation. If the principal is ineligible or falls out of status, the dependant cannot qualify or maintain lawful stay.
3. Age and Marital Status for Children
Only unmarried children under the age of 21 qualify for P4 status. Once a child marries or turns 21, they no longer meet the requirements for this visa category. In such cases, alternative immigration options would need to be considered.
4. Financial Support Considerations
While there is no set income threshold, consular officers may assess whether the family has sufficient means to support themselves during their stay. This forms part of the overall assessment of nonimmigrant intent and likelihood of self-sufficiency.
Section summary
The P4 visa is restricted to spouses and unmarried children under 21 of P visa holders. Eligibility depends on proof of family relationship, the principal’s valid status, and compliance with age and marital status restrictions.
Section C: Application Process
Applying for a P4 visa involves a consular process that is broadly similar to other US nonimmigrant visa applications. Dependants must make a separate application from the principal P visa holder, although the applications are usually considered together if submitted at the same time.
1. Completing the DS-160 Form
Each dependant must complete an online DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form. This form captures personal details, travel history, and the purpose of travel. After completing the form, applicants receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which must be presented at the visa interview.
2. Scheduling the Consular Interview
Applicants must book an interview appointment at a US embassy or consulate in their country of residence. In some cases, children under a certain age may be exempt from the interview requirement, but their applications still need to be lodged formally.
3. Supporting Documentation
Applicants must provide evidence to show their eligibility as dependants. Typical documentation includes:
- Valid passport for each applicant
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate)
- Copy of the principal P visa holder’s approval notice (Form I-797) and visa stamp
- Evidence of the principal’s ongoing employment or activity in the US
- Visa fee payment receipt
4. Visa Fees and Biometrics
The standard nonimmigrant visa fee applies to each dependant. Applicants may also be required to attend a biometric appointment to provide fingerprints and photographs.
5. Processing Times
Processing times vary depending on the embassy or consulate, the applicant’s nationality, and seasonal demand. In some cases, administrative processing may extend the timeline. Families should apply as early as possible to avoid delays in travel.
If the dependant family members are already in the United States, extensions of P4 status are filed with USCIS using Form I-539, rather than through a consulate.
Section summary
The P4 visa application process involves completing the DS-160 form, attending a consular interview, and submitting supporting evidence of the family relationship and the principal’s P visa status. For dependants already in the US, extensions must be filed with USCIS using Form I-539. Fees, biometrics, and processing times must also be factored in when planning the application.
Section D: Rights and Restrictions of P4 Visa Holders
P4 visa holders are granted certain rights in the United States, but these are limited compared to the principal P visa holder. Understanding both the benefits and restrictions is critical to maintaining compliance with US immigration rules.
1. Right to Reside in the United States
The P4 visa allows spouses and children to live in the United States for the same duration as the principal P visa holder. The dependant’s authorised stay is directly tied to the validity of the principal’s P status.
2. Permission to Study
Children and spouses holding P4 status may attend school or university in the United States without the need for a separate F-1/M-1 student visa.
3. Restriction on Employment
The P4 visa does not provide work authorisation. If a dependant wishes to work, they must qualify for and obtain a separate US immigration status that permits employment. Unauthorised work can result in serious immigration consequences, including loss of status.
4. Duration and Extensions
P4 status remains valid as long as the principal maintains lawful P status. If the family is already in the United States, extensions of P4 status are requested by filing Form I-539 with USCIS. If applying from abroad after an extension of the principal’s status, dependants seek a new visa at a US consulate.
5. Change of Status Options
P4 dependants who are physically present in the United States may request a change of status with USCIS—rather than through a consulate—if they independently qualify for another category (for example, F-1 for study or an employment-authorised category). Any new status must be approved before beginning activities that require it.
Section summary
P4 dependants may live and study in the US while accompanying the principal P visa holder, but they cannot work. Their stay is contingent on the principal’s lawful status, with extensions and changes of status handled by USCIS when the family is inside the United States.
FAQs
Who qualifies as a dependant under the P4 visa?
The P4 visa is available to the legal spouse of a P visa holder and their unmarried children under the age of 21. Extended family members, parents, or adult children do not qualify.
Can P4 visa holders work in the United States?
No. The P4 visa does not provide work authorisation. If a dependant wishes to work, they must apply for a separate visa that allows employment.
Are P4 visa holders allowed to study in the United States?
Yes. Both children and spouses on P4 visas can study at schools or universities in the US without needing to apply for a separate student visa.
How long is the P4 visa valid for?
The P4 visa is valid for the same period as the principal P visa holder’s authorised stay. If the principal’s status is extended, the dependant may also apply for an extension, either through a consulate abroad or USCIS if already in the US.
What documents are needed for a P4 visa application?
Applicants typically need a valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificate), the principal’s visa approval and documentation, and the visa fee receipt.
Conclusion
The P4 visa plays a crucial role in keeping families together when athletes, artists, and entertainers travel to the United States under the P visa categories. It provides spouses and children with the ability to reside lawfully in the US, attend school or university, and remain with the principal visa holder throughout the duration of their stay.
However, the visa comes with important limitations, most notably the prohibition on employment for dependants. Families must also remember that the P4 status is entirely dependent on the principal visa holder maintaining lawful status. Any lapse or expiration of the principal’s visa will immediately affect the dependants’ right to remain in the US.
By understanding the eligibility requirements, application steps, and rights and restrictions of the P4 visa, families can better prepare for the process and ensure compliance with US immigration law.
Glossary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| P Visa | A US nonimmigrant visa for athletes, artists, entertainers, and their support personnel. |
| P4 Visa | A dependant visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of a P visa holder. |
| DS-160 | The online nonimmigrant visa application form used by all P4 visa applicants. |
| USCIS | United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency overseeing immigration benefits. |
| Consular Interview | A visa interview conducted at a US embassy or consulate before a visa can be issued. |
Useful Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| USCIS – P Visa Overview | USCIS |
| US Department of State – DS-160 | travel.state.gov |
| NNU Immigration – P4 Visa Guide | NNU Immigration |
Author
Founder and Managing Director Anne Morris is a fully qualified solicitor and trusted adviser to large corporates through to SMEs, providing strategic immigration and global mobility advice to support employers with UK operations to meet their workforce needs through corporate immigration.
She is recognised by Legal 500 and Chambers as a legal expert and delivers Board-level advice on business migration and compliance risk management as well as overseeing the firm’s development of new client propositions and delivery of cost and time efficient processing of applications.
Anne is an active public speaker, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.
