International Actors Work Visas

Before you can be hired for a job you must get a very specific performance work visa for actors. This is true for all paid acting work, whether the production is SAG signatory or not. If you have already moved to Los Angeles, have been offered a part in a production and do not have a work visa for actors, you may need to find an immigration lawyer to help you. You do not have to be a US citizen to become a SAG member, but you do need to follow very strict Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) guidelines in order to work professionally and obtain an official work visa for actors.

Many studios will arrange work visas for actors who have already been offered a role. According to SAG, in order to obtain a work visa for actors, there are several steps that you need to take. First, begin auditioning with your tourist visa, while you’re in the process of completing the process to receive a work visa for actors. If you land a major role with one of the top studios, chances are, you will have a much easier time receiving your work visa for actors.

Production companies, agents, or managers usually apply for work visas for actors on behalf of performers they hire in advance. Because of INS criteria (not to mention the cost of transportation, living expenses, and legal fees associated with a non-resident) these work visas for actors are usually granted only to major players. While you don’t have to be a SAG member to qualify, the criteria for the most common performer’s work visa for actors (the O-1) require that you have been recognized for your accomplishment in the field.

Although work visas for actors are hard to acquire, if you land the right role and obtain one, a whole world of opportunities will open up to you. Making it even harder for the alien up and comer, O-1 work visas for actors are not available to unproven performers, no matter how talented or promising they may seem. The 0-1 work visas for actors cannot be applied for until after a job offer is made, and it is given only on a per project basis. A work Visa for actors is much the same as any other type of work visa. It is a document attached to your passport proving you have permission by the US Immigration to obtain paid work in the USA.