skip to main content

Visa Updates for Musicians Working in the US

MU Head of International Dave Webster updates members on O and P visas and the interview waiver programme for those working in the United States.

Photo ofDave Webster
By Dave Webster Published: 22 January 2024 | 2:32 PM
Close up of a Visa stamp on a passport.
If you experience problems in your visa application, please do let us know as soon as possible. Image credit: Shutterstock.

We are disappointed to hear that the United States Citizen and Immigration Service (USCIS) has chosen to increase the premium processing (or expedited) fee for O and P visas from the already costly $2500.00 to $2805.00.

The increase takes effect from 26 February 2024.

View more information on this here or, if you experience problems in your visa application, please do let us know as soon as possible.

Interview waiver program

In better news, US immigration firm Tamizdat has informed us that the US Department of State (DOS) announced that it would be extending its interview waiver program, which is effective from 1 January 2024.

Under the program, O and P (and other non-immigrant) visa applicants who have had a prior visa issued in the same classification, and are applying within 48 months of that prior visa’s expiration date, are eligible to have their interview requirement waived.

Unfortunately, the interview waiver program no longer grants eligibility to applicants whose only prior visa issuance was a B visa.

More information on eligibility for the interview waiver program can be found in DOS’ announcement.

View our US Work Visa page to learn about different types of work visas and the kind of visa you need in order to work and perform in the US, including information on validity and eligibility.

Additionally, if you are flying with your instrument to the US or Canada you can access airline advice and information here.

Get support as a musician working overseas

The MU helps musicians with many aspects of working overseas - from everything on touring in Europe, visa issues for working in US, to travelling with musical instruments.

Get support as a musician working overseas

Continue reading

MU delegates and members of our sister creative unions on the steps of Caird Hall.

MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026

Last week we attended the annual Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) with MU delegates who supported a range of topics including Fair Work for freelancers, music as a human right, international solidarity and why ferries serving the Scottish islands are vital to cultural workers and the economy.

Published: 28 April 2026

Read more about MU Delegates Champion Fair Work, Cultural Rights and Island Connectivity at STUC Congress 2026
Charlene, Sinead and three members who attended the meeting.

MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians

MU members met this week for an open discussion on working life in Belfast, highlighting how rising parking costs, limited access to venues and late-night working conditions are placing increasing pressure on musicians and undermining its UNESCO City of Music status.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about MU Belfast Meeting Highlights Impact of City Parking Costs on Musicians
Shot of a large crowd at a small, grassroots music concert. The band on stage are in silhouette against purple, blue and orange lights.

UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists

The UK Artist Touring Fund (UKAT), supported by the MU and funded by the LIVE Trust, has awarded its first wave of grants to 26 artists across 211 gigs, helping deliver fair pay and access in the grassroots live sector.

Published: 23 April 2026

Read more about UK Artist Touring Fund Announces First Phase Artists