The act created the P category for athletes and entertainment groups who cannot, or choose not to, apply for O status.

A person in P-1 status may be an athlete who has performed individually, or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

A P-1 visa is also available to a person who performs as part of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as being outstanding in a discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time and has had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group for a minimum of one year and provides functions integral to the performance of the group. Amendments to the act exempt 25% of the members of a group from the one-year requirement. In addition, INS may waive this requirement in the case of illness or unanticipated or exigent circumstances.

Prior consultation with unions is required before a petition to accord an alien P status may be approved. Under "special circumstances", INS may approve a P-1 petition where the beneficiary's recognition is only national, rather than international.

Artists and entertainers entering the U.S. under a reciprocal exchange program may be granted P-2 status, while those entering in a culturally unique program may be classified in P-3 status. Spouses and children of aliens in P-1, P-2 and P-3 status may enter the U.S. in P-4 status.

The period of admission for persons in P status is limited to the period of time necessary to complete the event or performance for which the person(s) are admitted.