Advocacy
Foreign Artist Resources

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

  • 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.

What’s at Stake
Due to the delays and unpredictability of visa processing by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), there is a continuing risk that foreign guest artists will be unable to enter the country in time for their performance engagements. Once an artist does receive a visa, the issue of tax withholdings for foreign guest artists must be addressed. Both the visa process and tax withholding requirements are complicated and require a tremendous amount of due diligence on the sponsoring organization. OPERA America and its partner national service organizations in the Performing Arts Alliance (PAA) are paying close attention to these issues, in an effort to best serve our members. OPERA America lobbies Congress each year to improve the visa process for foreign guest artists and is working to clarify and assist members with the tax withholding requirements.

Tools and Resources

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 our Government Affairs Director at AFitterer@operaamerica.org.

Winter 2009 Magazine Issue
  • Letter from the President/CEO
  • New Works
  • NEA Opera Honors
  • Opera Conference 2010
  • Creative Connections with Opera.Ca
Contact Us
330 Seventh Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001
P 212-796-8620 • F 212-796-8631
Info@operaamerica.org • Directions
From Airport:
The easiest way to reach the OPERA America offices is to get a cab at the airport. Cost is $40-45
(not including tip).
  • JFK - Take the AirTrain ($5 - approx. 15 minutes) to the Jamaica Street Station and transfer to the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). Take the LIRR to Penn Station ($12 - approx. 35 minutes). See Penn Station directions below.
  • LaGuardia - Take the M60 Bus to the Hoyt Ave/31st Street. Get on the or Train and take that to 42nd/Times Square Station. Follow the Times Square Station directions below.
  • Newark - Take the New Jersey Transit train to Penn Station ($15 - approx. 45 min). See the Penn Station Directions below.

From Penn Station/Madison Square Garden:
Leave the station through the 7th Avenue/33rd Street exit and walk south for four blocks. The building is on
the right hand side.

From Grand Central Station:
Take the Train to the 42nd/Times Square station and transfer to the Train.
Take the Train to the 28th Street stop and walk north on 7th Avenue.
The building is on the same block as the train stop.

From 42nd Street/Times Square:
Take the Train to the 28th Street stop and walk north on 7th Avenue.
The building is on the same block as the train stop.

For more detailed directions, most up-to-date pricing or to specify a different starting location, please visit the
MTA Web site.