Cómo pueden inmigrar a Estados Unidos los deportistas profesionales: Opciones de visado para campeones y competidores
Shirin Navabi • June 12, 2025
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Estados Unidos ha sido durante mucho tiempo un destino para los atletas con más talento del mundo, no sólo para competir al más alto nivel, sino también para acceder a un entrenamiento de primera clase, oportunidades de entrenamiento y perspectivas de carrera a largo plazo. Ya sea en el campo de juego, en el ring o en el tablero de ajedrez, deportistas de todo el mundo están encontrando vías de inmigración que les permiten perseguir sus objetivos deportivos y profesionales en Estados Unidos.
La ley de inmigración de los Estados Unidos ofrece varias opciones de visado y tarjeta de residencia diseñadas específicamente para personas con un talento atlético extraordinario. Entre ellas figuran el visado P-1A para deportistas reconocidos internacionalmente, el visado O-1A para personas con aptitudes extraordinarias y la petición de inmigrante EB-1A, que puede conducir a la residencia permanente y, en última instancia, a la ciudadanía estadounidense.
El visado P-1A
lo utilizan habitualmente los deportistas profesionales que vienen a Estados Unidos para competir en un evento o temporada concretos. Esto se aplica no sólo a los atletas individuales, sino también a los miembros de equipos o clubes reconocidos internacionalmente. Es muy utilizado por futbolistas, jugadores de baloncesto, luchadores de MMA, competidores de jiu-jitsu brasileño e incluso ajedrecistas de élite. Los deportistas deben demostrar un alto nivel de reconocimiento internacional y un historial de rendimiento en su deporte.
El visado O-1A
es una buena opción para los entrenadores que demuestren una capacidad extraordinaria, normalmente evidenciada por títulos de campeonatos, récords de victorias sostenidas o reconocimiento como parte integrante del éxito de su equipo. Para ello, el entrenador debe demostrar que sus conocimientos le sitúan entre el pequeño porcentaje de los mejores profesionales de su campo.
Para los deportistas que buscan un estatus permanente en Estados Unidos, la petición de inmigrante EB-1A
-a menudo denominada «tarjeta verde de habilidades extraordinarias»- ofrece una vía directa hacia la residencia permanente legal. Requiere documentación clara de que la persona se encuentra entre las mejores de su deporte y ha logrado un éxito nacional o internacional sostenido. A diferencia de otras categorías de permisos de residencia, el EB-1A no requiere el patrocinio del empleador y puede solicitarse por cuenta propia. Esto se ha convertido en una vía común para campeones mundiales de MMA, medallistas de cinturón negro de BJJ, atletas olímpicos y grandes maestros de ajedrez, muchos de los cuales representan ahora a Estados Unidos en los más altos niveles de la competición internacional.
Es importante tener en cuenta que la ley de inmigración estadounidense define el término «deportista» en sentido amplio. Ya sea usted futbolista profesional en Europa, velocista en el Caribe, judoka, gimnasta o gran maestro de ajedrez, sus logros pueden entrar en estas categorías si están debidamente documentados y presentados. La clave está en un historial constante de excelencia y reconocimiento en su deporte a escala nacional o internacional.
Nuestro despacho está especializado en este tipo de asuntos de inmigración. Si usted es un atleta individual que busca reubicarse o una organización que busca traer talento internacional a su lista, ofrecemos estrategias legales a medida para apoyar sus objetivos.
Si usted está explorando opciones para competir, entrenar, o construir su futuro en los Estados Unidos, estamos aquí para ayudarle a dar el siguiente paso.
Este blog no pretende ser una asesoría legal y nada aquí debe interpretarse como el establecimiento de una relación abogado-cliente. Programe una consulta con un abogado de inmigración antes de actuar sobre cualquier información que aquí lea
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has announced a major change to the H-1B cap selection process. Under a final rule issued on December 29, 2025, USCIS will replace the long-standing random H-1B lottery with a wage-weighted selection system that favors higher-paid and more complex positions. The rule is scheduled to take effect on February 27, 2026 , just ahead of the fiscal year 2027 H-1B cap registration season, unless delayed by legal challenges. If implemented, USCIS is expected to release additional guidance explaining how employers must submit registrations under the revised process. This change marks one of the most significant reforms to the H-1B program in recent years. Up until 2025, all registrations were treated equally once the annual cap was reached. Under the new system, selection odds will be tied to wage levels based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data. All H-1B registrations will still be placed into a single selection pool, but registrations tied to higher wage levels will receive multiple entries into that pool, increasing their likelihood of selection. Lower wage levels will receive fewer entries, making selection less likely but not impossible. H-1B wage levels are not determined solely by salary. Each wage level reflects the complexity of the job, the level of responsibility involved, and the education and experience required . Entry-level positions involving routine duties and close supervision are generally classified at the lowest wage level, while positions requiring independent judgment, advanced skills, and significant responsibility fall into higher wage levels. The highest wage level is reserved for roles that involve expert knowledge, strategic decision-making, and substantial leadership or technical authority. USCIS is expected to closely scrutinize selected petitions to ensure that the wage level claimed during registration is supported by the job duties and salary offered in the petition. Any discrepancies between the registration and the petition may result in requests for evidence, denials, or enforcement action. With the elimination of the purely random lottery, employers should begin preparing early by carefully evaluating job descriptions, wage levels, and overall H-1B strategy. Accurate classification and thoughtful planning will be essential under this new wage-based selection system. If you are an employer considering H-1B sponsorship, or a foreign professional wondering whether your position may qualify under the new wage-based system, consulting with experienced immigration counsel is more important than ever. Santos Lloyd Law is actively advising clients on H-1B cap registrations and strategy under the new rules. To discuss your options or determine whether you may qualify, contact our office to schedule a consultation.
During the recent administration there has been an increase in issuance of Requests for Evidence for EB-1A petitions for those of Extraordinary Ability. A Request for Evidence is a request that is made by USCIS that should explain how the evidence is deficient in proving the criteria argued and what additional evidence needs to be provided by the applicant to meet the criteria. EB-1A petitions are already normally subject to higher scrutiny because their approval is the first step needed to apply for Lawful Permanent Residence or a green card. USCIS normally requires not just evidence but that the evidence be provided with context and information to show why it matters in a particular field. For example, if you were providing evidence of your membership in an organization that requires outstanding achievements of its members, just providing evidence of the membership is not enough. You must explain what that membership is and provide background information on the organization granting the membership. You also need to provide evidence on the criteria that is used to select the members, information on those who select the members to show that they are recognized experts, other documentation such as articles about the membership organization to show its importance, and any other relevant evidence and background information to show that the criteria is met. A request for evidence being issued prior to the current administration was not uncommon, but in the current climate it is more surprising to not receive a request for evidence for this type of case. It is important to remember that a request for evidence is not a denial. Depending on the validity of the information in the request and the substance some Requests for Evidence can be overcome, and the case be approved. It is important to carefully review the request and note if there are any errors in the content and application of the regulations by USCIS. If you have an attorney, you should work with them and make sure that you provide any evidence you think may be helpful. Although there is a deadline by which a response must be submitted, attention to detail and patience will go a long way when dealing with having to respond to a request for evidence. If you believe you may qualify for this type of visa, please feel free to contact our office.
