P-1 Visas for Athletes and Performers

Our office processes a lot of P-1 visas for athletes. The P-1 visa enables athletes, teams, or performers who have international recognition to live and work in the United States for up to 5 years, with an option to renew for another 5 years, totaling 10 years of stay.

Why Choose the P-1 Visa?

The P-1 visa is highly attractive due to its lengthy duration and its objective criteria. Unlike the O visa, the P-1 visa offers more predictability in filing, making it a preferred choice for athletes and performers. Younger athletes at the beginning of their professional careers can also demonstrate the necessary criteria and seize the opportunity to build a life in the United States.

Criteria for P-1 Visa Approval

To qualify for the P-1 visa, applicants need to meet two of the seven criteria and show that the activity or event they will be engaged in requires international recognition of its participants. The criteria are:

·         Evidence of significant participation in a prior season with a major United States sports league

·         Evidence of participation in international competition with a national team

·         Evidence of significant participation in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition

·         A written statement from an official of the governing body of the sport detailing international recognition

·         A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert detailing international recognition

·         Evidence that the individual or team is ranked if the sport has international rankings

 

Benefits for Athletes and Performers

The P-1 visa allows athletes and performers to establish themselves in the United States, benefiting from the country's robust sports and entertainment industries. With the objective criteria, applicants can confidently meet the requirements and secure their stay.

The P-1 visa also has a lot of flexibility in sponsorship, meaning that the holder can be functionally self-employed or an independent contractor under this visa with the assistance of an agent or sponsoring entity. This is unusual in US immigration, where almost every visa sponsors one worker to do one job at one company, and a change requires starting again.

 

With the P-1 visa, athletes and performers can look forward to a stable and predictable process for living and working in the United States. Meeting the criteria ensures international recognition and opens doors to a flourishing career and life in the U.S.

If a P-1 visa looks like it might be a fit for you or someone you know, reach out to arrange a free consultation.