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The Canadian Locals of the AFM are able to provide P-2 Work Visas to their members. These P-2 Work Visas facilitate hassle free border crossings into the US. This is a major coup negotiated with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S.C.I.S.) by the AFM Canada and the AFM New York. The following eight points highlight the current procedures required to obtain a P-2 Work Permit.

1) Applications must be received in the Canadian Office of the AFM 120 days in advance of your planned departure date.

2) A flat fee of $320.00, US money order or bank draft, is required and made payable to Department of Homeland Security. (no personal cheques, cash or postal money orders). An expedited review process is available from the U.S.C.I.S. for the additional fee of $1,000.00 US. Two separate US money orders will be required i.e. one for $320.00 and the other for $1,000.00. An expedited P-2 Work Visa application will be processed within 30 days of receipt by the U.S.C.I.S.

3) A cheque in the amount of $35.00 (Cdn) is required, made payable to the AFM (Canada), to pay for courier fees to the U.S.C.I.S. service center located in Vermont. If your application is rejected there are no refunds.

4) An additional cheque in the amount of $25.00 (Cdn) is required, made payable to the Vancouver Musicians’ Association (VMA), to pay for courier fees to head office in Toronto.

5) The only crew permitted to travel with a band is technical support persons, i.e. light and sound personnel. (Note: support crews must file separate P-2 applications and pay an additional $320.00 US processing fee). No additional $25.00 (Cdn) courier fee will be charged if all applications are sent as a package.

6) Extended medical insurance is recommended.

7) Make sure all AFM contracts are duplicated and typed or printed neatly. All members and their Local numbers must be affixed to the contract. Both the engager and the leader's signature must appear on the contract(s). All application forms must be legible and include the correct port of entry i.e. the proper name of the US ground crossing or Airport.

8) Your P-2 Work Visa(s) will be delivered to the border crossing or airport indicated on your application. You will no longer be able to pick up your visa(s) at the VMA office. You will receive notification when your P-2 has been accepted. The notification will be mailed to the leader’s address that is noted on the contract(s). In the case of late filings, the approval notice may be faxed to your local AFM office.

P2 - APPLICATION/WORK FORMS