P-1A is a nonimmigrant work visa for internationally recognized or professional athletes
The P-1A classification applies if you are a professional athlete or an internationally recognized athlete coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition.
The P-1A classification also applies to professional or amateur athletes coming temporarily to the United States solely to perform in a specific theatrical ice skating production or tour, individually or as part of a group.
Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may obtain P-4 nonimmigrant status
Essential support personnel are eligible for P-1S classification if they are an integral part of the performance of a P-1 nonimmigrant and perform support services that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker. The petitioner must file a separate Form I-129 for essential support personnel.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific athletic competition in a sport in which you are internationally recognized (or the team you are a part of is 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 require the participation of internationally recognized athletes.
OR
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.
Application and Authorization Process
Your U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor must submit Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker.
Once USCIS approves the Form I-129, you can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Forms required to be submitted for this application
- Form I-129, Petition for a Non-Immigrant Worker.
Information that you will have to provide
Your employer, agent, or sponsor, must submit all of the following required documents with your Form I-129:
- A written consultation from an appropriate labor organization. More information on labor organizations can be found on the Address Index for I-129 O and P Consultation Letters page. The consultation must describe the work or services to be performed in the United States and your qualifications for such work. The labor organization may also submit a letter of no objection to the approval of the petition. If no appropriate labor organization exists, this requirement is excused;
- Copies of any written contracts or summaries of the terms of oral agreements containing the terms of your employment;
- An explanation of the nature of the events or activities, the beginning and ending dates for the events or activities, and a copy of any itinerary for the events or activities
How we can help
Our attorneys are available for consultation to discuss your options and responsibilities. To start the process:
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