United States of America
FAST, RELIABLE, HASSLE-FREE VISA & IMMIGRATION SERVICES FOR LIVE MUSIC TOURING
Important Updates
US Visa Update for Touring Artists & Production Crew
Important Notice:
As of September 6, 2025, all O and P visa applicants must schedule their visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or legal residence.
If you are not a citizen of the country where you are applying, you will now be required to provide proof of legal residency in that country.
Please Note:
Visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so it is crucial to ensure that you apply in the correct location from the start.The U.S. Department of State advises that applying for a visa interview outside your home country or legal residence may complicate your approval process. Therefore, it is recommended to apply in the country where you have established residency.
We understand that navigating visa logistics can be challenging, especially when juggling tours, gigs, and studio sessions. Our dedicated team is here to assist you throughout the process, ensuring that nothing stands in the way of your next performance.
Please visit U.S. Department of State official website for more details.
Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will revise the eligibility criteria for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. As a result, all O and P visa applicants — including those under 14 and over 79 years of age — will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
This change may significantly increase US Embassy appointment waiting times, so we strongly recommend starting the process early. We’re here to help you plan your U.S. tour and navigate the visa requirements smoothly.
Be prepared to explain the purpose of your trip to the U.S. When you are traveling on a work visa, you should clearly and confidently describe your role (please only reffer to your official role with the band/ artist you are working/ travelling with! ), and the company or artist you will be working with and/or your petitioner ( your petitioner is fine, you can find your petitioner name on your visa stamp - see Annotation).
Immigration officers at the US ports of entry have the authority to search your social media and electronic devices. They may review publicly available information, including your online profiles, and can potentially hold on to, and inspect your devices. So far, their focus seems to be on verifying traveler's planned activities in the U.S.
Some CBP officers are asking for an ORIGINAL I-797 Petition Approval which is NOT needed.
Please contact us for further info.We've noticed extensive media discussions about the current immigration climate in the USA. Some reports make the situation seem more alarming than it actually is. Thousands of our clients travel to the USA, and we haven't received any reports of them being denied entry. It's important to keep things in perspective—artists and crew with the appropriate visas for legitimate activities are entering without issues.
Just a friendly reminder, this has always been a case with visas:
"A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to the U.S. port-of-entry, and the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector authorises or denies admission to the United States”
*Source: Travel.State.Gov
From February 2025 to qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:
* your visa must not have been expired for more than 12 months.
* you must be applying for the same visa category as your previous submission.
* Submitting application in your country of nationality or residence.
* Having no prior visa refusals, unless the refusal was successfully overcome or waived.
* Having no obvious or potential ineligibilities.
However, consular officers may still request in-person interviews based on individual cases or local circumstances.
Please visit U.S. Department of State official website for more details.
We specialise in securing US Visas for the touring artists and their production crew. We work with the US Embassies and Consulates across the globe and can assist in obtaining US visas wherever you are in the world. Check our money saving tips below, and then select the service that is best for your case and budget.
MONEY SAVING ADVICE - START EARLY!
1.
Have a discussion with us about your touring plans in advance - we can help you to save money, reduce pressure and help you navigate through the US Visa process.
2.
US visa process is complex and takes time. We can formulate the best strategy and allocate resources for your specific tour. Allow us to co-ordinate your travel itinerary and ensure you get visas in time for your travel.
3.
Check your travel documents in advance before you start your US visa process - passports must be valid and undamaged, and have at least two clear pages for each visa insert.
The Standard Service
• Checking that any documents required for the US Visa are in order and up to date
• Assisting with the on-line visa application
• Booking appointments
• Keeping track of the issuing process including passport collection from the US Embassy
The Full Visa Service
Let WTA Consulting be your personal project manager to obtain your visa. This service includes overall process co-ordination and information gathering services, in addition to The Standard Service.
The VIP Visa Service
This includes all the above services and in addition:
• Keeping your place in the US Embassy queue for interviews (queueing starts more than an hour before the appointment time) thus allowing you to walk in at the exact time for the security check and therefore complete the interview early.
• Bringing all necessary paperwork to the interview, dealing with no-shows, late arrivals, emergencies etc.
• Meeting you after the interview for a debriefing.