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International Artists/Visas

By inviting foreign musicians to perform, orchestras provide American audiences the opportunity to experience a diversity of musical talent and encourage a supportive climate for U.S. orchestras to perform abroad.  Understanding the U.S. visa and tax requirements can smooth the way for successfully engaging international artists.

In the links below, the League provides guidance for navigating the complicated visa and tax laws, updates on recent policy changes, and opportunities to weigh in with Congress to improve the visa process.

Advocacy

Take Action: Visa and tax for foreign guest artists

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.
Take Action: Visa and tax for foreign guest artists READ MORE

Visa, Tax and Travel Information

Foreign Artist Visa and Tax News

  • Advocacy

    March 10, 2023

    Last Chance to Weigh In on Drastic Artist Visa Fee Proposal

    The opportunity to respond to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security proposed rule on visa filing fees has been extended and will now close on Monday, March 13. This proposal would more than triple the cost for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners.

  • Advocacy

    January 23, 2023

    DHS Proposes New Fees: Includes Steep Increases for Artist Visas, Harmful Policy Changes

    The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a proposed rule that would impose very steep increases to some of its filing fees, including for O and P artist visas applications filed by U.S. petitioners. The comment period is open until March 6, 2023, and DHS and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) expect to take several months to review public feedback and consider adjustments.

  • Advocacy

    November 21, 2022

    Post-Election Update and Peek at 2023

    In This Issue: Short-term Priorities for Year-End Legislating, Prepare for 2023 and Beyond, and Odds and Ends

  • Advocacy

    September 27, 2022

    Autumn Advocacy Action

    In This Issue: Activate New Voter Engagement Resources; Shuttered Venues Grant Program Enters Closeout Process; Talks Accelerate on New Rules for Musical Instruments; Engaging Artists from Abroad

  • Advocacy

    March 1, 2022

    Solidarity with Ukraine

    The Russian invasion of Ukraine is a betrayal of humanity. In the face of this attack on an independent nation, with innocent citizens being killed, maimed, or forced to flee their homes, we may feel powerless as arts organizations to make a difference. Nonetheless, this past week the classical music world has moved swiftly to respond to unfolding events and many American orchestras have expressed their solidarity with the people of Ukraine in powerful ways.

  • Advocacy

    February 14, 2022

    Latest Arts Policy News

    In This Issue: Act Now: ERTC Reinstatement Gaining Support; States Now Processing FEMA Safe Opening Assistance; U.S. Copyright Office Opens Talks on 'Bots'; Shuttered Venue Grants in Action Nationwide; NEA American Rescue Plan Grants to Aid 24 Orchestras; New Engagement by U.S. Department of Education on Arts Learning; Engaging International Artists? Explore Consular Waivers, Confirm Approved Vaccines

  • Advocacy

    January 13, 2022

    Kick-Start 2022 with the Latest Arts Policy News

    In This Issue: Act Now: Renewed COVID-19 Relief Talks Underway; NEA Awards 1st Round FY22 Grants, Direct ARP Grants to Come; Newest Artist Visa Updates as Travel Resumes, Cautiously; League Resources on COVID-19 Relief and New Safety Rules; 2022: A Key Year for Advocacy

  • Advocacy

    December 17, 2021

    Year-End Policy News and Looking Ahead

    In This Issue: Speak Up to Reinstate the Employee Retention Tax Credit; IRS to Non-Itemizers: Donate Now; Shuttered Venue Operators Grants Enter New Phase of Implementation; National Endowment for the Arts Grant News and Updates; Our Year-End Thanks to You!

  • COVID-19

    November 12, 2021

    Major Policy Developments, International Travel Resumes, and Latest SVOG News

    In This Issue: Employee Retention Tax Credit Curtailed as Infrastructure Bill Passes; New Action Ahead on Shuttered Venue Operators Grants; The Latest on COVID-19 Safety Protocols and Requirements; COVID-19 Travel Bans Lifted: New Policies in Place for International Air Travel; Speak Up Now to Preserve New Charitable Giving Incentives!

  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

    November 3, 2021

    The Score: Fall 2021

    In this issue: Orchestras Mark 20th Anniversary of 9/11; Sounds of Summer; New Homes for Orchestras; Women Composers on the Map

See all Foreign Artist Visa & Tax News Items

Banner: Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops featuring Landslide: A Symphonic Tribute to the Music of Fleetwood Mac was the Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s first orchestral event during the 2020 COVID-19 Pandemic. Photo: Nicolas Propes

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