Take Action: Visa and tax for foreign guest artists

In This Section

At a time when international cultural exchange is of great value to the international interests of the United States, orchestras and nonprofit arts organizations continue to confront delays and uncertainties getting approval for visa petitions for foreign guest artists. In a coordinated effort with other national performing arts organizations, orchestras are working with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Department of State, and Congress to improve the immigration procedures for foreign guest artists.

Contacting Congress is simple and will make a difference. We have prepared an advocacy campaign with essential background, talking points, and a template letter for you to personalize your communication with policymakers. Please note that identical copies of your letter will go to both of your Senators and your Representative.

Take Action: Visas For Foreign Guest Artists

Issue Brief (PDF)

KEY DEVELOPMENTS (PDFs)

• League partners with Tamizdat and others in re-issuing multi-agency arts visa policy recommendations – (August 2023)
• League and Arts Stakeholders Oppose Artist Visa Fee Increase Proposal – (03/16/23)
• Rep. Chellie Pingree Urges USCIS Director to Reconsider Artist Visa Fee Increase Proposal – (02/15/23)
• League and arts visa stakeholders recommend USCIS form I-129 and policy improvements – (03/17/22)
• League leads arts stakeholder objections to consular fee increases – (02/28/22)
• League and Tamizdat Suggest Expedite Improvements to USCIS Ombudsman – (01/26/22)
• League leads arts stakeholder comments on DHS visa petition form proposal – (10/18/21)
• League and national arts organizations urge U.S. Department of State to support artist travel and other policy improvements – (05/17/21)
• League leads Arts Visa Stakeholder Comments to USCIS to Improve Visa Process – (05/19/21)
• League partners with Tamizdat requesting COVID-19 accommodations from Department of State for U.S. cultural sector – (04/14/21)
• League partners with Tamizdat requesting COVID-19 accommodations from USCIS for U.S. cultural sector – (01/29/21)
• League co-leads U.S. Performing Arts Sector Request for COVID-Related Flexibility from USCIS and Department of State – April 1, 2020
• League Comments on Proposed Form I-129O and I-129MISC – December 20, 2019
• League Leads Group Objection to Proposed Fee Increase and Other Changes – December 16, 2019
• League Joins Comments to IRS Regarding CWA Proposal – August 5, 2019
• Arts statement on March Immigration Executive Order – March 21, 2017
• Arts Statement on January Immigration Executive Order – February 15, 2017
• League statement on -Immigration Executive Order – January 30, 2017