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P-1A International Athletes - Fuller & Fuller LLP

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International Athlete Visas

We're experts in international athlete visas.

The P-1 classification allows athletes to come to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition. Individual internationally recognized athletes, internationally recognized athletic teams, professional athletes, and amateur athletes and coaches that are part of a team or franchise that is located in the U.S. but is part of a foreign league or association may qualify. Applicants for a P-1 visa must be sponsored by a U.S.-based company or organization (often a team, league, club, equipment brand, etc.).

Internationally Recognized Individual Athletes Criteria

You must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific athletic competition in a sport in which you are internationally recognized. You are internationally recognized if you have a high level of achievement in a sport, demonstrated by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. Your achievement must be renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country. The competition(s) you wish to participate in must have a distinguished reputation and be at an internationally recognized level of performance such that it requires the participation of an internationally recognized athlete.

Internationally Recognized Athletic Teams Criteria

You must be coming to the United States to participate in an athletic competition with a team that, as a unit, has achieved international recognition in the sport. The competition in which your team is participating must have a distinguished reputation and be at an internationally recognized level of performance such that it requires the participation of an internationally recognized athletic team.

Professional Athletes

You must be coming to the United States to be employed as an athlete by:

  • A team that is a member of an association of six or more professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed $10 million per year. The association must govern the conduct of its members and regulate the contests and exhibitions in which its member teams regularly engage; or

    Any minor league team that is affiliated with such an association.

    Amateur Athletes or Coaches

    You must be coming to the United States to perform as an athlete or coach as part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association. The foreign league or association must meet the following requirements:

    • The league or association must consist of 15 or more amateur sports teams;

    • Participation in the league must make players temporarily or permanently ineligible under National Collegiate Athletic Association rules to:

    o Earn a scholarship in the sport at a U.S. college or university; or

    o Participate in the sport at a U.S. college or university;

    • The league or association must be the highest level of amateur performance of that sport in the relevant foreign country; and

    • A significant number of the individuals who play in the league or association are drafted by a major sports league or a minor league affiliate.

    Theatrical Ice Skaters

    You must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific theatrical ice skating production or tour as a professional or amateur athlete who performs individually or as part of a group.

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Where and How to Apply for an international athlete visa?

Contact Fuller and Fuller today to get started on your application.

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Our Process

  • Please reach out to us by email or phone to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
  • Our attorneys will work with you to confirm that the P-1 visa is the correct visa to meet your needs.
  • We will then provide you with a checklist of documents and information needed from the prospective foreign national athlete and their U.S. sponsor. We will also provide you with an estimated flat fee for the case and discuss the filing fees and other disbursement expenses you can anticipate.
  • We will prepare the required documents for your petition or application and will send them to you for review and signature.
  • We will then submit your petition or application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (“USCIS”).
  • We will track the progress of your case and keep you updated and will provide you with instructions for making and attending a visa interview appointment at a U.S. Consular post (if required). We will also provide both the prospective foreign national athlete and their U.S. sponsor with information on the athlete’s new immigration status.

How To Prepare

Prior to a consultation with one of our attorneys, please be prepared with the following information so that we can best help you determine how to proceed: A copy of the prospective foreign national athlete’s most up-t0-date resume; Information on the prospective foreign national athlete’s current U.S. immigration status (if any) and any previous U.S. visas held; and Information on the type and duration of the U.S.-based athletic competition in which the prospective foreign national athlete is expected to compete.

Frequently asked Questions

  • How long can I remain in the U.S. on a P-1 visa?

    You can remain in the U.S. for a period of up to five years. Your period of stay may be extended if you can prove that you still qualify for the P-1 visa.

  • Can my family accompany me? Can they work/attend school?

    Spouses and children under the age of 21 may accompany you to the U.S. in P-4 status. P-4 visa holders may not work. However, both your spouse and children may attend school while in the U.S.