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 – click here for up-to-date information –
For most musical work in the United States, musicians require a Classification P2 Work Permit, or other non-immigrant permit. 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 Noelle Nedrick 416 391-5161 (toll free: 1 800 463-6333) ext. 225, Ari Vangeest at ext. 234 or Sean Henderson ext. 222
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.