The P1 Visa is a non-immigrant visa designed for athletes and members of entertainment groups, seeking temporary entry into the United States to participate in events, competitions, or performances.
There are two main subcategories
1
P1A visa for internationally recognized athletes or an athletic team
2
P1B visa for individuals or members of an internationally recognized entertainment group
The P-1A classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition as:
- An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance.
- Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance.
- A professional athlete.
- 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.
P1A Visa Requirements for Internationally Recognized Athletic Teams
1
The team has to have at least two members.
2
The team has achieved international recognition in the sport.
3
The team was formed at least one year prior to the visa application.
4
Individuals applying for the P1 Visa to perform with their team cannot perform independently while in the US.
P1A Visa Eligibility for Athletes
Athletes applying for the P1 Visa need to meet at least two of the following requirements:
- Achieved a high level of skill and acclaim in their sport.
- Participation in a major US sports league.
- Participation in a US university or college sports league.
- Participation in a major national or international sports competition.
- Receipt of national or international acclaim.
- National or international ranking in a high position.
- Receipt of a national or international award for sporting achievements.
- Must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific athletic competition or event.
P1B Visa Requirements for Individuals or Members of Internationally Recognized Entertainment Groups
- Geared towards individuals or members of entertainment groups with global recognition.
- Individuals or groups to be internationally recognized in their respective fields, demonstrating a high level of achievement and acclaim.
- A stable relationship must exist for at least one year among 75% of the group's members.
- Group has been established and performing regularly for at least one year before the application is submitted.
- The team should possess a high degree of national or international recognition.
- Eligibility criteria encompass major success in ratings, records, videos, or box office sales.
- Recognition from major newspapers, media outlets, critics, and government agencies.
- High compensation for work and performance.
For those providing essential support to P1 Visa holders, such as coaches, trainers, referees, and scouts, the Essential Support Personnel can also apply for the P1 Visa. The P-1 visa is granted for a specific competition, performance, or event. It allows individuals to enter the U.S. for a limited period to participate in the specified activity.
P-1 visa applicants must have a U.S. employer, agent, or organization serving as their sponsor. The sponsor files a petition on behalf of the individual or group with the USCIS.
Initially, the P-1 visa is granted to individual athletes for 5 years. For a team of athletes, the maximum time that the visa is initially valid for is 1 year. Entertainer groups are also given the P1 Visa for an initial maximum period of 1 year. Individual athletes can receive an extension of up to 5 more years, athletic teams or entertainment groups can apply for extensions in 1-year increments.
Immediate family members (spouses and unmarried children under 21) of P-1 visa holders may be eligible for P-4 visas, allowing them to accompany the primary visa holder to the U.S.
Our dedicated team is ready to guide you through the complexities of the P1 Visa application process, ensuring a smooth and successful journey toward your temporary entry into the United States. If you are an artist or entertainer, seeking participation in artistic performances or cultural events, the P3 Visa may be more suitable for your needs. Contact us today for personalized assistance tailored to your unique situation.