Web Services powered by
Artist Visas
What Is a Visa Consultation Letter:
Artists from other countries who come to the United States of America to work often need letters of consultation/no objection that vouch for their artistic excellence as part of their visa application. Creative West serves as a peer organization for artistic disciplines who may not be represented by a union or labor organization. Creative West is regularly asked to render consultation letters on foreign artists’ ability and achievement in the arts.
We do so based on a review of the material sent to us by you and on our understanding of its compliance with immigration regulations. If you are working on the following temporary nonimmigrant visa types (O-1B, O-2, P-1B, and P-3) — whether as an immigration attorney, an employer/petitioner, or a visiting artist/group of artists — we can review your materials and write a letter of consultation/no objection for the application.
How To Request A Visa Letter:
Creative West currently only accepts electronic applications and payment. Creative West’s fee for this service is $250 per petition (per I-129 filed). We do not offer expedited processing. The process takes one to two business weeks after we have received all necessary materials and payment.
Please be advised, in the event that the materials submitted to us are insufficient under immigration regulations to render an opinion, we retain the right to decline providing a letter. You may submit your documents prior to requesting an invoice to confirm that your evidence is sufficient. Please confirm the visa classification and type of artist that is seeking a consultation letter as Creative West is not qualified to provide an opinion for all classifications and artists.
What Documents to Provide:
Please prepare the following documents for our review:
- Copy of the I-129 form;
- Letter from the petitioning organization;
- Agreement and/or schedule of work between petitioner and beneficiary;
- Resume or CV;
- Letters of recommendation;
- Critical reviews from reputable sources;
- Evidence of beneficiary’s qualifications for the visa type you are requesting.
Once Creative West has confirmed we are qualified to provide a consultation letter, electronic payment will be issued to you via electronic invoice. To submit a visa letter inquiry and request an invoice, please send you documents and billing information to consultationletters@wearecreativewest.org.
Additional Disclaimers:
As determined by USCIS, Creative West is a “peer group.” We do not serve as a union, labor organization, or petitioner. Please verify if your artistic discipline or visa application requirements allow you to use a peer group letter as your primary letter, or if you can only use a peer group letter as a supplement to a letter from a union or labor organization.
We are not immigration attorneys and cannot offer advice about the actual visa applications or processes. If you are looking for more information about how to get a visa, we recommend visiting artistsfromabroad.org and/or consulting with a certified immigration attorney.
CaFÉ is an online application submission system that strives to make art opportunities available to all by offering arts organizations an affordable submission platform and artists an easy way to apply.
GO Smart is an affordable grants management software that offers pre- and post-application forms, panel reviewing, and data reporting for grantmakers.
The Public Art Archive (PAA) is a free, searchable, and continually growing online database of completed public artworks throughout the U.S. and abroad, with a suite of resources and tools built for managing public art collections.
ZAPP provides art fair and festival administrators with a suite of tools to digitally collect and jury applications, manage booth payments, and communicate with applicants all in one easy-to-use digital platform. Artists can apply to hundreds of shows nationwide through a central website.