OPERA America supports the opera field by providing information and services related to visa and tax requirements for foreign guest artists:

• Government advocacy addressing visa processing problems and delays at the USCIS
• Educational resources, including the most up-to-date information on visa and tax requirements for foreign guest artists
• Pre-petition peer consultation letters and guidance on navigating the visa process
• Forums for members to share information and collaborate with other colleagues in the field

Due to the delays and unpredictability of visa processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there is a continuing risk that foreign gusts artists will be unable to enter the country in time for their performance engagements. OPERA America and its partner national service organizations in the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) lobby Congress each year to improve the visa process for foreign guest artists.

Advocates should urge Congress to enact the Arts Require Timely Service (ARTS) Act (HR 1312 S 2178) which will reduce the total processing time for O and P petitions filed by or on behalf of nonprofit, arts-related organizations to a maximum of 45 days. View the full Visa Issue Brief then take action to improve visas processing for foreign guest artists. Please visit the Performing Arts Alliance website to email your elected officials today!

• Artists From Abroad
  Artists From Abroad is the most complete guide on visa and tax requirements for engaging foreign guest artists. Created by the League of American Orchestras and the Association of Performing Arts Presenters, Artists From Abroad is an online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers and performing arts organizations. Please check the News Flash section for the updates on filing procedures, fee increases and other information to avoid delays.
• Contact OPERA America
  OPERA America provides guidance and technical assistance to opera companies, artists, and managers on the visa process. For assistance or questions concerning the visa process, please contact Amy Fitterer at AFitterer@operaamerica.org.
• Visa Tracking Form
  OPERA America and other national performing arts service organizations are working with Congress to improve USCIS procedures regarding regular processing of O and P visas. To be successful in our efforts to reduce processing times, we need your assistance. Please tell OPERA America about any filing problems you have by completing the visa tracking form for each petition you submit.
• Visa Listserv
  Opera professionals who are involved in the visa application process for international guest artists may use this listserv to share information and find support material on navigating the visa process. To subscribe, e-mail Megan Young at MYoung@operaamerica.org.

To request a Peer Consultation Letter from OPERA America, please submit the following:
A cover letter stating:

• Name of the contact person at your company
• Artist's name (and, if different, the name stated on the USCIS petition)
• Title of the production
• Artist's function or role in the opera
• Name and/or address of the USCIS service center to which the letter should be addressed

A bio or resume outlining:

• Any awards or honors won by the artist
• A list of companies or cities in which the artist has performed
• Operatic roles the artist has performed
• Any recordings, television appearances or other areas in which the artist is in demand (e.g., the artist is also in demand as a recitalist)
• Information regarding training may be helpful, particularly for young artists
• In some cases, it may be necessary to state why this particular artist is crucial to your company's production (e.g., a lighting designer who works exclusively with your stage director)
• Include critical reviews documenting recent public performances by the artist. If reviews are unavailable, include evidence of how the artist is regarded in the press or by colleagues or employers. (If the reviews are foreign, include translations for both OPERA America and USCIS.)
• Note clearly if this is a rush visa petition requiring immediate attention. The normal lead time is one week. We suggest that rush requests include your overnight courier account number, your delivery address, and your phone number for prompt delivery. We are also glad to fax a copy of the consultation letter to your attention for review.

Please e-mail, mail or fax copies of materials — not your originals — to the attention of:


Questions? Contact Megan Young, Artistic Services Manager at MYoung@operaamerica.org.

Opera companies often use itinerary-based or multiple venue visa petitions to engage foreign guest artists. For this purpose, please use the following itinerary-based standard cover letter and itinerary-based standard authorization and intent to engage letter.

For more information on itinerary based petitions, please visit the itinerary based petition online at Artists from Abroad.