Arts organizations are faced with increasing challenges when bringing international artists into the United States. Since the events of September 11 and the implementation of Premium Processing Service, navigating the process of obtaining nonimmigrant visas and understanding tax regulations remain the top hurdles to presenting artists from abroad.

Recognizing these challenges, the League of American Orchestras and Association of Performing Arts Presenters have consulted with nationally-recognized experts to create Artists from Abroad - the most complete and up-to-date online resource for foreign guest artists, their managers, and performing arts organizations. Immigration attorney Jonathan Ginsburg and tax experts Albert Schibani and Peter Kotsatos have authored indispensable guidance featured on this site, and we provide the forms and web links you need to steer through the process of engaging guest artists reliably, efficiently, and lawfully.

Whether you are a novice or veteran of the immigration and tax process, reviewing the site in its entirety, and referring back as we update the materials, will pay dividends. Changes will be made regularly to reflect new rules and procedural changes at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of State, and Internal Revenue Service.

The site is searchable - or feel free to print the text as a resource! We hope you find this site helpful when presenting international guest artists.

Comments or suggestions? Contact us.