NOTE: This visa information pertains only to Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are legally entitled to enter the United States. For all other situations, consult with the AFM/CFM office in Toronto, or with your lawyer, or with the US immigration service and provide them with full information about your status.
Did you know that being a member of the HMG makes it easier – and cheaper – for musicians to obtain a temporary work permit in the United States (known as a P2 Visa)?
As a member of the HMG, local 293, you are a member of the AFM/CFM. The American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada (AFM/CFM) is recognized by the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) 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, at a fraction of the cost.
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 in Toronto exclusively on behalf of Canadian AFM members.
The P2 Work Permit
For most musical work in the United States, musicians require a Classification P2 Work Permit, or other non-immigrant permit. Also see—B1 Business class Visitor Visa, below.
Processing Times and US Immigration Fees
USCIS have advised that Regular Processing Times are 7.5 months. If entry to the United States is required in less than 7.5 months, see Premium Processing details below.
For Regular Processing, provide a $510 USD money order, payable to “Department of Homeland Security”.
For Premium Processing it is recommended you submit your P2 package 30 days prior to your first gig. Provide 2 separate money orders in the amount of $510 USD, the other $2,805 USD, both payable to “Department of Homeland Security.
AFM Administrative Fee
Regular Processing is $125 CAD for the first person, plus $25 CAD for each additional musicians/technicians.
Premium Processing is $150 CAD for the first musician plus $25 CAD for each musicians/technicians.
When changing processing type from Regular Processing to Premium Processing a Change fee of $25 CAD is required.
The P2 Replacement Letter fee is $50 CAD.
For more details please email Liana White lwhite@afm.org with questions on the Department of Homeland Security fee.
NOTE: AFM does not have control over the decisions U.S. Immigration makes on their processing times. Therefore, USCIS processing times may increase/decrease at any time, without notice. The AFM’s suggested processing timelines are based on weekly observance of the average turnaround time from submission of application to receipt of approval. You may contact our office to confirm times haven’t drastically changed.
Forms and Instructions
We suggest DOWNLOADING/SAVING files below to your hard drive BEFORE filling them out.
P2 – Instructions for Completing a P2 Application
P2 – Application Form (Parts 1 – 4)
P2 – Part 6 (Single Performer)
P2 – Part 6 (2 or More Performers)
P2 – Tour Itinerary (Only Necessary When Performing at Multiple Venues)
P2 – Travel Engagement Contract (T2C FORM)
P2 – Permanent Resident Visa Process
P2 – Replacement Musician Application
P2 – After your P2 is Approved
If you are not yet an AFM member, or if you just joined AFM specifically to obtain a P2, please contact Cathy Lee at cathylee@afm.org for additional information.
If you are an existing AFM member, please contact the P2 Department at immigration@afm.org, or by phone to Ari Vangeest at 416 391-5161 (toll free: 1 800 463-6333) ext. 234 or Sean Henderson ext. 222.
USCIS Fee Remittance Changes
Effective October 22, 2025 all P2 applications received in the AFM Canadian Office will require one of the following forms of payment to cover the Department of Homeland Security petition fees. The petition costs have not changed, only the method by which payment is issued to DHS/USCIS. Information on application requirement and fees can be viewed on the CFM website www.cfmusicians.org .
If paying by Credit or Debit Card issued by a United States-based financial institution, complete the Department of Homeland Security Authorization for Credit Card Transactions form https://www.uscis.gov/g-1450 and include with your P2 application package.OR
If paying by USD-money order, make payable to AFM. Some Canadian financial institutions have stopped issuing USD Money Orders when purchased through personal banking accounts. If unable to obtain a USD money order through your Canadian institution, you may consider the following:
Obtain a money order from Canada Post or the United States Postal Service
Inquire with a trusted personal or business contact who may have the ability to assist in obtaining a money order through their Canadian financial institution. If none of the above is possible, please contact AFM to discuss by email immigration@afm.org or call (416) 391-5161.
For more details, you may review the USCIS release here: USCIS to Modernize Fee Payments with Electronic Funds | USCIS
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B1 Business Class Visitor Visa
Canadians invited to the United States for showcases and conferences may qualify for a Business Visitor Visa (B-1 Visa).
For assistance in this determining B1 visa eligibility and/or to submit your application please contact:
Ari Vangeest—avangeest@afm.org, or Susan Whitfield—swhitfield@afm.org, 416-391-5161 or toll free: 1 (800) 463-6333 ext. 234 or 223.
Download the B1 (Showcase) Application Packet
Processing Time at least 5 business days prior to entry date.
The Administration fee for B1 Letter of Support is $50 CAD.
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P1, P3 and O Visa Applications
Musicians from Canada and abroad applying for union consultation for P1, P3 and, O1 permits must contact the AFM’s New York Office: George Fiddler–gfiddler@afm.org,or Mike Epperhart–mepperhart@afm.org, 1 800 762 3444 ext. 231 or 230.