Hi everyone I'm a drummer living in Toronto, Canada. I've applied for the US P2 Visa a few times now on behalf of my band, so I thought I would document the entire process and explain what needs to be done in order to obtain the P2 Visa and perform in the United States! *NOTE: This is not official advice, but rather a bit of insight into the steps needed to get your Visa submitted and approved as a Canadian musician/band wanting to perform in the US. I've included all of the important links below! Please make sure to read all of the documents. Please 'like' the video if it helped you, and I'd love to hear your tips/tricks and insights below. All the best!

LINKS:

1. CFM Page with links to all forms to fill out and current wait times: https://cfmusicians.afm.org/services/...

2. Toronto Musician's Association Local 149:
https://tma149.ca

3. Instructions for Completing a P2 Visa (also found at link number 1.)
https://cfmusicians.afm.org/uploads/f...

4. AFM Visa application form (also found at link number 1.)
https://cfmusicians.afm.org/uploads/f...

5. P2 Work Permit Checklist (also found at link number 1.)
https://cfmusicians.afm.org/uploads/f...

6. Tour Itinerary Sheet (also found at link number 1.)
https://cfmusicians.afm.org/uploads/f...

7. Link to my band, The Dreamboats:
   / thedreamboats  


Chapters:
00:00 Intro & Disclaimer
01:03 Do you need a Visa to play in the USA?
01:35 Where are all of the instructions and documents to apply?
02:16 Step one: have gigs booked in the US with contracts
02:49 How long can a P2 Visa last?
04:28 Step two: become a member of the AFM / CFM through your local union
07:06 Step three: Filling out the Visa application form step by step
13:13 Online P2 Visa Checklist (very helpful)
13:36 Step four: proof of AFM membership verification
14:32 Step five: paying the US Homeland Security Fee and AFM fee
17:12 Step six: photocopies of all applicants' passports
17:50 Step seven: assembling and submitting your confirmed gig contracts
19:07 Filling out the 'Tour Itinerary' form
20:00 Submitting the finished application at the CFM
21:04 Waiting for the approval
21:35 Receiving you approval notice
22:11 Crossing the border by plane
23:48 Crossing the border by land
24:35 Bringing merch into the United States
25:36 A carnet / manifest of equipment
26:50 Coming back and forth from Canada & the US
28:28 Ending