P-1A Visa
P-1A Visa for Internationally Recognized Athletes
Are you looking to come to the U.S. to compete in a marathon, a video gaming competition, or other sports or eSports event? Founder Law can help determine if you, your team, or your support staff are eligible for P-1A visas.
A P-1A visa enables a well-known athlete to come to the U.S. temporarily to compete as an individual or as part of a team. P-1A visas are also available to the athlete or team’s essential support staff.
Eligibility Requirements
A candidate for a P-1A visa must:
Come to the U.S. to participate in an event or competition or perform as an internationally recognized athlete.
Have achieved international recognition through a high degree of skill in the sport or that the athlete’s achievement is well known in more than one country.
If support staff, be an essential member of the athlete’s support personnel, such as a coach or trainer, whose work cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker.
An athlete or support staff seeking a P-1A visa to compete as part of a team, must:
Show the team—including essential support personnel—is coming to the U.S. to participate in a competition that has a distinguished reputation and requires the participation of internationally recognized athletic teams.
Demonstrate the team together has achieved international recognition in the sport.
Show that the athlete is participating in a team event and that the individual athlete is not participating separately from the team.
If support staff, be an essential member of the team’s personnel, such as a coach, scout, trainer, or other team official, whose work cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker.
Application Process
To apply for a P-1A, the employer of the athlete or team must:
File Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) and pay the filing fee to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Submit a statement from a labor organization describing the work to be performed in the U.S., and each individual candidate’s qualifications.
Provide a copy of the contract with a major U.S. sports league, team, or individual sport, and the event and itinerary.
If the individual is a member of the athlete or team’s support personnel, provide a statement describing the critical skills and experience with the athlete or team, and a copy of the contract with the employer.
Show at least two of the following:
- The athlete had significant participation in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league.
- The athlete has participated in international competition with a national team.
- The athlete has participated in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition
- The group has had major commercial or critical success, demonstrated by ratings, box-office receipts, sales, reviews, and other evidence.
- A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league that explains how the athlete or the team is internationally recognized.
- Evidence that the athlete or the team is ranked.
- Evidence that the athlete or the team has received a major award in the sport.
Eligibility for Families
The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of P-1B visa holders may obtain a P-4 visa. P-4 visa holders may not work, but may attend school or college.
We Can Help
At Founder Law, we help individuals and their families find the best solution to legally come to the U.S., whether temporarily or permanently, to pursue their dreams. If you have any questions, contact us.
More Information
Fees
$460 for Form I-129
Related Forms
Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
Steps
Employer files Form I-129 and pays the filing fee.
After Form I-129 is approved, apply for a P-1A visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate
Initial petition for time needed to complete event or competition.
Extension varies based on individual athlete, team, or support personnel.
Immigrant Intent
None. At the airport, border, or other port of entry, you will need to satisfy the U.S. government officer that you have a residence in your home country and do not intend to abandon it. You must demonstrate that you are a nonimmigrant—that your visit to the U.S. will end after a specific amount of time.
Who Qualifies
Athlete
Video Gamer
Sports Team
Video Gaming
TeamAthlete, Gamer, or Team Support Staff
Period of Stay
For individual athlete:
Initial stay for time needed to complete event or competition up to 5 years.Extensions up to a maximum of 10 years
For team:
Initial stay for time needed to complete event or competition up to 1 year.Extensions in increments of 1 year
For support personnel:
Initial stay for time needed to complete event or competition up to 1 year.Extensions in increments of up to 5 years and a maximum of 10 years.
Your Next Move Deserves More Attention.
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We review where you are, map the realistic pathways, and tell you which ones actually fit your timeline, your goals, and your risk tolerance. You leave with a plan, whether you hire us or not.
If your career or your company depends on getting this right, let’s talk.
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