P-1 Athlete Visa

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The P-1 Athlete Visa is for internationally recognized athletes who are coming to the United States to participate in athletic competitions or events. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is temporary and does not lead to permanent residency.

To qualify for the P-1 visa, the athlete must:

• Be coming to the U.S. to participate in an individual or team event.
• Be internationally recognized as an athlete of extraordinary ability.
• Have a contract with a U.S. employer or team, or a contract for a specific event or competition.

• P-1A Visa: For individual athletes.
• P-1B Visa: For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.

• Allows for temporary stay in the U.S. for athletic competitions or events.
• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can accompany the P-1 visa holder on P-4 visas.

1. The U.S. employer or team must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with the USCIS.
2. Once the petition is approved, the athlete can apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

• P-1A Visa: Initially granted for the time necessary to complete the event, up to 5 years, with extensions available.
• P-1B Visa: Initially granted for the duration of the event or performance, up to 1 year, with extensions available.