Getting a Visa P2 | Musical performance in the USA
ATTENTION: P2 visa deadlines have changed! See below.
Did you know that being a member of the GMMQ makes it easier to obtain a temporary work permit in the United States (P2 Visa)?
As a member of the GMMQ, local 406, you are a member of the AFM. The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM) is recognized by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) as an authorized petitioner for temporary work permits on behalf of AFM member musicians. Therefore, Canadian members who wish to perform (work) in the United States may apply for non-immigrant work permits through AFM. The AFM provides the exact same level of service as immigration lawyers or visa service agents.
The AFM provides immigration consulting services to members and non-members alike. However, petitioning for P2 Work Permits is a member-specific service, processed by AFM’s Canadian Office on behalf of Canadian AFM members exclusively.
To obtain these visas, musicians should contact the AFM Artists' Immigration Department:
cfmusicians.afm.org Work permits section.
If you need assistance, you can also contact GMMQ's member services department:
Catherine Audet-Ménard - Member Services
Tel: 514 842-2866, ext. 245
1 800 363-6688
membres@gmmq.com
ATTENTION: Processing times for P2 Visas apply.
At the moment, the delay is 180 to 185 days BUT, we invite you to check on a daily basis on the CFM website, by following the link below. Processing times vary according to the period.
U.S. Work Permits :: Canadian Federation of Musicians (afm.org)
Cost of P2 Visa from March 22, 2024:
Regular processing :
- 510 USD: Bank draft payable to : Department of Homeland Security
- +125 CAD for the first musician and $25 for each additional musician: Bank draft payable to : AFM
Premium treatment :
- 510 USD: Bank draft payable to : Department of Homeland Security
- +2,805 USD: Bank draft payable to : Department of Homeland Security
- +150 CAD for the first musician and $25 for each additional musician: Bank draft payable to : AFM
To obtain a P2 Visa, you must:
1.Download the instructions, the checklist,
AND
2. Fill in the following forms :
-Visa P2 : part 1 to 4
-Visa P2 : part 5
-Visa P2 : part 6 (one musicien)
-Visa P2 : part 6 (2 musicians and more)
-Tour Itinenary
ATTENTION: Processing times range from 180 to 185 days for regular processing. Processing times vary, so please check the CFM website daily.
U.S. Work Permits :: Canadian Federation of Musicians (afm.org)
Other reference documents
1) Travelling Contract | T2C-1
2) Border Info Document
3) CATSA | Tips for traveling safely with an instrument
Please note that there are deadlines to get your visa in time.
Send Completed P2 Application packages to:
Attn: Artist Immigration Department
American Federation of Musicians
#202 - 150 Ferrand Drive,Toronto,
ON, M3C 3E5, Canada
Work Permit Policy | For the Quebec province
1. Application of the work permit policy
- 1.1. This policy is effective as of September 1, 2010.
- 1.2. This policy applies to performances governed by the Minimum working conditions for stage and background music, excluding rehearsals.
- 1.3. If there are no provisions governing work permits in a collective agreement, this policy shall be applied to performances rendered under said agreement, excluding rehearsals.
2. Obtaining a work permit
- 2.1. Eligibility criteria for obtaining a concurrent work permit :
- 2.1.1. A musician who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, residing in Québec AND ;
- 2.1.2. A musician who has never been a member of the GMMQ OR ;
- 2.1.3. A musician who resigned while in good standing for more than 4 years OR ;
- 2.1.4. A musician who has been expelled for more than 4 years.
- 2.2. Eligibility criteria for obtaining a non-concurrent permit:
- 2.2.1. A musician under suspension OR ;
- 2.2.2. A musician who resigned while in good standing for less than 4 years OR ;
- 2.2.3. A musician who has been expelled for less than 4 years OR ;
- 2.2.4. A foreign musician who is not a member of another local chapter of the AFM OR ;
- 2.2.5. A musician who is eligible for a concurrent permit but who, by choice, prefers a non-concurrent permit.
- 2.3. The musician or the producer must submit a permit application, with all the necessary information included, to the Member Services department at least five days before the performance.
3. Use of concurrent work permits to become a regular member
- 3.1 At any time, the musician may apply the amounts paid for concurrent work permits obtained during the preceding 24 months toward payment of registration or readmission fees, the administrative costs for the permits, and the annual dues for the current year.
- 3.2 The maximum amount that can be credited corresponds to the sum of the annual dues and administrative costs for the permit in force. Any accumulated amount that exceeds this sum shall not be applicable.
- 3.3 If the maximum amount that can be credited is not fully used for the current year, the balance may be applied to the following year, provided that the musician immediately pays the difference for the applicable annual dues for the whole calendar year. If the aforementioned difference is not paid, the balance will revert to zero.
- 3.4 Once the musician has used the maximum amount that can be credited towards payment of his or her dues, the balance for his or her concurrent work permit will revert to zero.
4. Cost of work permits
- 4.1 The rate for a concurrent work permit is $30.00 per performance.
- 4.2 The rate for a non-concurrent work permit is $50.00 per performance.
- 4.3 For each calendar year (January 1 to December 31), a musician who needs a permit shall pay the amount applicable to it until it reaches a cumulative amount of $410. Once this amount is reached, he will be able to work until the end of the year as a "permit holding" musician without paying additional permits.
Work permit policy (revised on January 1st, 2024)
