Aside from a few other caveats, this category is for individuals who do not meet the extraordinary qualification of the O category, but are nonetheless considered outstanding in their field.
Unlike the O category, this category is only for outstanding artists, athletes and entertainers.
For athletes, the athlete or the team must have an internationally recognized reputation in the sport. For entertainers, the P visa is not available for individual entertainers, but only to members of groups with international reputations.
An entertainer or artist is eligible for a P visa individually or as part of a group when they are coming to the United States to perform under a reciprocal exchange program between the United States and one or more countries.
Likewise, the P visa is available to entertainers and artists individually or as part of a group when they are coming to the United States to take part in a program that is considered culturally unique.