P-1A Visa for Internationally Recognized Athletes

The P-1A classification is for foreign nationals visiting the U.S. to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

 

If you are an entertainer or an athlete desiring to enter the U.S. and you do not qualify for an O visa, a P visa may be the best option for you. The P visa allows entertainers and athletes to come into the U.S. and stay for up to five years, renewable for a total of ten years. A P-1A visa holder can come to the U.S. to participate in activities such as an athletic competition, athletic season, tournament, tour, exhibition, or event. Such activities can include short vacations, promotional appearances for the petitioning employer relating to the competition, event, or performance, and stopovers that are incidental and/or related to the activity.

 

Family members (spouses and children) of P-1A visa holders can accompany them to the U.S. through the P-4 visa (see below).

 

Individual Athletes Eligibility Criteria

The alien must be:

• coming to the United States to participate in individual event, competition or performance in which he/she is internationally recognized with a high level of achievement

• evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered so that the achievement is renowned, leading or well known in more than one country.

 

Athletic Teams Eligibility Criteria

The athlete must be:

• coming to the United States to participate in team events and

• must have achieved significant international recognition in the sport. In addition,

• the event in which the team is participating must be distinguished and require the participation of athletic teams of international recognition.