P-1A Visa is a temporary employment visa issued to individual athletes or members of athletic teams with international recognition in the United States. The P-1A Visa allows professional athletes and teams to work while participating in specific events organized in the United States.
P-1A Visa Admission Requirements
For Individual Athletes
- The nominee must have international recognition and be able to demonstrate outstanding performance achievements.
- The nominee must participate in competitions or events in the U.S. as an individual athlete.
For Athletic Team Members
- The nominee must demonstrate that the team of which the nominee is a member is internationally recognized.
- The team must come to the U.S. to participate in internationally recognized competitions.
Other Requirements
- The candidate must be sponsored by an American employer, agent, or sponsor to participate in events or competitions in the United States.
- The nature of the events and the contribution of the candidate’s participation to the success of the event must be demonstrated.
How to Apply for a P-1A Visa?
The P-1A Visa is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows internationally recognized athletes or athletic teams to temporarily work and participate in competitions in the United States. The application process requires careful preparation and collection of the right documents.
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, check if you meet the criteria below:
- For Individual Athletes:
- You must be internationally recognized.
- You must prove that you have participated in major sporting events before.
- For Athletic Teams:
- Your team must have international recognition.
- You should only travel to the US to participate in an international competition.
Find a Sponsoring Employer
P-1A Visa applications must be filed by an employer, sponsor or sports organization in the United States. The sponsoring employer must prepare the following documents
- Labor contract,
- Calendared program of events,
- Documents supporting your international recognition.
Preparation of Required Documents
The following documents are required for your application:
- Form I-129: Must be completed by your employer and submitted to USCIS.
- Event Information: Details of the activities you will be attending in the US.
- Evidence:
- Documents showing international recognition for individual athletes.
- For teams, awards, rankings or media reports proving international achievements.
- Letters of Reference: Letters of reference from industry experts.
Applying to USCIS
Your employer or sponsor must take the following actions:
- Form I-129 Petition: Submitted to USCIS with all supporting documents.
- Payment of Filing Fee: The required fee for Form I-129 must be paid.
- Approval of Petition: USCIS reviews and approves the petition. Once approved, Form I-797 is sent.
Visa Interview at the US Consulate
Once USCIS approval is received, an appointment for the visa interview is scheduled. The following documents must be submitted to the consulate
- A valid passport,
- The confirmation page of the DS-160 form,
- A copy of form I-797,
- Sponsorship documents and supporting evidence,
- Documentation of individual or team achievements.
Visa Approval and Entry to the USA
After the visa is approved:
- You can enter the US and start working for your sponsoring employer or organization.
- The P-1A visa is valid for a maximum of 5 years for individual athletes, depending on the duration of the activity, and can be extended for another 5 years if necessary. However, for athletic groups, the visa is granted for a maximum of 1 year and can only be extended in 1-year increments.
Auxiliary Personnel Available to Work with P-1A Visa
Athletes and athletic teams may employ auxiliary personnel working in certain essential occupations under the P-1A Visa. These professions include:
- Coaches
- Talent Scouts (Scout)
- Trainers
- Referees
are available. Support staff provide vital support for athletes and teams to perform at their best at events.
Frequently Asked Questions
The P-1A Visa paves the way for participation in events organized in the US for individuals and teams recognized in the international sports world. For more information or application support, please contact us!
The P-1A visa is issued depending on the duration of the athletic events but the maximum is 5 years for individual athletes and 1 year for groups of athletes.
Yes, P-1A visa holders can extend their visa if the activities continue. Extension applications are filed with USCIS and are usually issued for an additional 1 year.
No, spouses and children in P-4 visa status are not authorized to work in the US. However, they can study full-time or part-time.
No, the P-1A visa only authorizes work at events organized by the sponsoring employer or representative. If you wish to work with a new employer, a new visa application must be filed with USCIS.
The P-1A visa application process can vary depending on the speed of USCIS' evaluation and the application center. It usually takes between 2 to 3 months. With thePremium Processing option, this time can be reduced to 15 days.
No, there is no annual quota for the P-1A visa.
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