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P-1 Athletes Visa: Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some FAQ's containing essential information you need to know before applying for a P-1 visa:

• What is an P-1 visa and who can apply for it?
• Who is the P-1 visa open to?
• What does it mean by “internationally recognized” athlete?
• What other criteria must I fulfill to qualify for a P-visa?
• What kind of competition can I compete in?
• What about my coach/support. can they join me?
• Can my spouse and children accompany me to the United States?
• Can my spouse also work whilst in the United States?
• I am interested in applying, how do I proceed?

Q: What is the P-1 visa for?

A: The P1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa which enables non-US citizens or non US permanent residents who are professional athletes, artists and entertainers to enter into the United States for a specific competition or performance.

Apply Here For A P1 Visa

Q Who is the P-1 visa open to?

P-1 Visa’s are available to athletes who compete at an internationally recognized level of performance or entertainers who have been recognized internationally as outstanding for a sustained length of time

What does it mean by “internationally recognized” athlete?

To qualify as an internationally recognized athlete, the applicant must be able to demonstate some of the following criteria:

• They should have an international ranking in their sport
• They should hold significant honours or awards in the sport.
• They should be able to provide a written statement from the sports media or a recognised expert or a written statement from a major US sports league or official of the sport’s governing body.
• Be able to show evidence of participation in international competition with a national team.
• Or be able to show evidence and significant participation in a prior US major league season.

What other criteria must I fulfill to qualify for a P-visa?

A:There are several criteria that need to be fulfilled for a successful P-1 petition, in the case of a professional athlete this also requires a tendered contract with a major United States sports league or team, or a tendered contract in an individual sport commensurate with international recognition in that sport.

Q: What kind of competition can I compete in?

A: The competition must have a distinguished reputation and which requires participation of an athlete or athletic team that has an international reputation.

Q: What about my coach/support. can they join me?

A: Yes, Essential Support Personnel may apply under the P-1 Visa category as long as they are an integral part of the performance of a P-1 athlete, and performs support services which cannot be readily performed by a United States worker. P-1 Essential Support Personnel must have the appropriate qualifications and experience to perform those services for the P-1 athlete. Support personnel may include coaches, scouts, trainers and other team officials and referees, linesmen or officials.

Q: Can my spouse/ dependent children join me?

Yes they have their own visa class - the P-4. They may also enter the United States to join the P-1 visa holder at a later date and can travel freely in and out of the country.

Q: Can my spouse/ dependent children also work whilst in the United States?

No, P-4 holders are not allowed to seek employment. If they wish to work they must apply for a different visa class.

P-1 Visa Assessment

Q: I am interested in applying, how do I proceed?

A: If you an Athlete interested in competing in America on an E-3 visa  fill in an enquiry form to see if you qualify.