Виза P-1 для спортсменов и артистов
Виза P-1 распространяется на иностранцев, которые временно приезжают в Соединенные Штаты для выступления в качестве участника развлекательной группы, которая была признана на международном уровне выдающейся в этой дисциплине в течение длительного и значительного периода времени.
Квалификация
Виза P-1 применяется к вам, если вы временно приезжаете в Соединенные Штаты исключительно с целью выступления на конкретном спортивном соревновании в качестве: индивидуального спортсмена, демонстрирующего международно признанный уровень выступлений; члена группы или команды на международном соревновании. признанный уровень выступлений; Профессиональный спортсмен; или спортсмен или тренер в составе команды или франшизы, расположенной в Соединенных Штатах и являющийся членом иностранной лиги или ассоциации.
Международно признанные спортсмены. Вы должны приехать в Соединенные Штаты для участия в конкретных спортивных соревнованиях по виду спорта, в котором вы признаны на международном уровне. Вы признаетесь на международном уровне, если у вас высокий уровень достижений в спорте, подтвержденный уровнем мастерства и признания, значительно превышающим тот, который обычно встречается. Ваше достижение должно быть известным, ведущим или известным более чем в одной стране. Соревнования, в которых вы хотите принять участие, должны иметь выдающуюся репутацию и требовать участия международно признанных спортсменов. Спортивные команды, признанные на международном уровне. Вы должны приехать в Соединенные Штаты для участия в спортивных соревнованиях с командой, которая как единое целое добилась международного признания в этом виде спорта. Соревнования, в которых участвует ваша команда, должны иметь выдающуюся репутацию и требовать участия международно признанных спортивных команд. Профессиональные спортсмены Вы должны приехать в Соединенные Штаты для работы в качестве спортсмена в: команде, которая является членом ассоциации шести или более профессиональных спортивных команд, общий совокупный доход которых превышает 10 миллионов долларов в год. Ассоциация должна регулировать поведение своих членов и регулировать конкурсы и выставки, в которых регулярно участвуют команды-члены; или любая команда низшей лиги, входящая в такую ассоциацию. Спортсмены или тренеры-любители. Вы должны приехать в Соединенные Штаты, чтобы выступать в качестве спортсмена или тренера в составе команды или франшизы, расположенной в Соединенных Штатах, и являться членом иностранной лиги или ассоциации. Иностранная лига или ассоциация должны соответствовать следующим требованиям: лига или ассоциация должны состоять из 15 или более любительских спортивных команд; Участие в лиге должно временно или навсегда лишить игроков права участвовать в соревнованиях в соответствии с правилами Национальной студенческой спортивной ассоциации, чтобы: Получить спортивную стипендию в колледже или университете США; или участвовать в спортивных состязаниях в колледже или университете США; Лига или ассоциация должны иметь высший уровень любительской деятельности в этом виде спорта в соответствующей зарубежной стране; и Значительное количество людей, которые играют в лиге или ассоциации, выбраны крупной спортивной лигой или филиалом низшей лиги. Театральные фигуристы Вы должны приехать в Соединенные Штаты для участия в определенной театральной постановке или турне по фигурному катанию в качестве профессионального спортсмена или спортсмена-любителя, выступающего индивидуально или в составе группы. Источник: uscis.gov
Наши иммиграционные адвокаты имеют большой опыт работы в иммиграционном законодательстве и могут гарантировать вам компетентное и эффективное юридическое представительство при получении законной неиммиграционной визы. Запишитесь на прием онлайн (лично или по телефону), чтобы узнать больше о том, как вы можете получить неиммиграционную визу и работать в Соединенных Штатах.
Вопросы
По любым дополнительным вопросам вы можете связаться с нашим офисом, записавшись к нам на прием.
Сообщения в блоге
Navigating the immigration landscape as a professional athlete can feel as demanding as a championship final, but understanding the P-1A visa can help you to plan ahead and successfully petition USCIS when the time comes to apply. For individual athletes like surfers, Rodeo cowboys, or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters, the P-1A serves as the primary gateway to competing in the United States. While it is often compared to the O-1 visa, the P-1A has a distinct threshold that is more easily accessible than the O-1; rather than proving "extraordinary ability," you must demonstrate "international recognition". This means your achievements must be renowned or leading in more than one country, showcasing a level of skill that is substantially above the ordinary. For those competing in individual sports, the spotlight is entirely on your personal accolades and standing rather than a team or league’s reputation as in the case of a team sport athlete. You must show that you are personally well-known within your sport across multiple countries, and that the U.S. events you intend to enter typically draw other internationally recognized participants. One of the most significant advantages for the solo competitor is the duration of stay, as individual athletes can often secure a P-1 visa for an initial period of up to five years, which can eventually be extended to a total of ten. This stands in stark contrast to team athletes, who are generally limited to the duration of a specific season or contract with a team. If you are looking to be proactive about your future eligibility, you should treat your career milestones as a collection of evidence for the "Two-Out-of-Seven" rule used by USCIS. To qualify, you must provide evidence satisfying at least two of the following seven criteria: Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league. Evidence of participation in an international competition with a national team. Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition. A written statement from an official of a major U.S. sports league or the governing body of the sport detailing your international recognition. A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert. Evidence that you or your team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings. Evidence that you or your team has received a significant honor or award in the sport. Building your resume with these specific benchmarks in mind is essential. Here are some suggestions to help an individual sport athlete to meet these criteria and successfully qualify for a P-1A visa: First, you should actively seek opportunities to represent your national team or strive for high international rankings , as these are concrete proof of your standing. If you are working with an immigration attorney, make sure they have a clear understanding of your sport, how its governing body determines rankings, and the significance of your accomplishments- successfully showing USCIS why your rankings or results indicate you are performing at an elite and internationally recognized level is key to a successful outcome. Beyond the trophies, your professional network plays a crucial role ; cultivating relationships with recognized experts or sports media members who can provide written statements will significantly strengthen your future petition. Major media articles that discuss your accomplishments or explain the significance of competitions or rankings you feature in, can also have a strong positive impact on your case. As you prepare, remember that every petition also requires a formal consultation letter from an appropriate labor organization , if one exists that covers your sport. A good immigration attorney will help you to identify the appropriate labor organization and engage with them on your behalf to secure the consultation letter you need. Generally, they will want to see the same evidence that USCIS will be evaluating, and they may need some time to review your petition prior to issuing you a consultation letter. Finally, you will also need a written contract with an employer or agent within the United States, and a detailed itinerary of the events where you will perform . Your immigration attorney can also help you to structure your contract with your agent or employer, and guide you in creating an itinerary based on the events or competitions you will participate in. While every individual sport is different, USCIS will want to see that you have set up a structure that will pay you a living wage to perform your sport, and that you have planned out an itinerary of competitions or events in sufficient detail that covers the entire period of time for which you are requesting the P-1A visa. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, P.C., we are experienced in helping talented individuals who are accomplished in many different sports to continue their careers here in the United States. If you are such an athlete interested in competing here, please contact us, and we will be happy to discuss your case.
If you've made it to the United States as a culinary professional—perhaps on an O-1B visa that recognizes your extraordinary talent, or a P-3 visa for sharing your rich culinary heritage—congratulations! You’ve already proven yourself as a standout in your craft. But what if we told you that your journey doesn’t have to end when your temporary visa does? In fact, your current status could be the perfect stepping stone to something much more lasting: a green card through the EB-1A category. The EB-1A visa is a first-preference employment-based immigrant visa, designed for individuals with “ extraordinary ability ” in fields such as the arts, sciences, education, business, or athletics. And yes—culinary arts absolutely count. The key is demonstrating that your skills have risen to the very top of your field. If you've already gone through the O-1 or P-3 process, you're likely well on your way . Here’s the good news: much of the evidence used to obtain your O-1B or P-3 visa can be repurposed for your EB-1A petition . Awards, press features, expert testimonials, and proof of your work in prestigious kitchens or at cultural events—they're all valuable again. But what’s even more exciting is that everything you’ve accomplished while in the U.S. on your temporary visa—whether launching a signature tasting menu, starring in a food documentary, or leading culinary workshops—can now be used to further strengthen your case. According to USCIS, EB-1A applicants must meet at least three of ten criteria unless they’ve received a major internationally recognized award. These criteria include things like published material about your work, original contributions of major significance, high salary, and a critical role in distinguished organizations. For many chefs, especially those who’ve thrived in the U.S. hospitality scene, it’s absolutely achievable with the right guidance. What sets the EB-1A apart is that it does not require an employer sponsor . That’s right—you can self-petition! This means your culinary career can be as flexible and entrepreneurial as you want it to be, whether that means opening your own restaurant, expanding into media, or continuing to cook your way into America’s heart. Even better? It can be one of the fastest paths to a green card available. With premium processing, your I-140 petition can be adjudicated within just 15 business days. And if your country’s EB-1 visa category is current on the visa bulletin at the time of approval, you may be eligible to file your green card application immediately. This combination of speed, autonomy, and flexibility makes EB-1A an incredibly attractive next step in your immigration journey. At Santos Lloyd Law Firm, we love helping creative professionals take their next big step. If you’ve already wowed the world with your cuisine, the EB-1A may be your opportunity to stay and make your mark for good. Contact us today to find out if the EB-1A is the next right step for you!
The United States has long been a destination for the world’s most talented athletes—not only to compete at the highest level, but to access world-class training, coaching opportunities, and long-term career prospects. Whether on the field, in the ring, or across the chessboard, athletes from across the globe are finding immigration pathways that allow them to pursue their athletic and professional goals in the U.S. U.S. immigration law offers several visa and green card options designed specifically for individuals with extraordinary athletic talent. These include the P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes, the O-1A visa for individuals of extraordinary ability, and the EB-1A immigrant petition, which can lead to permanent residency and ultimately, U.S. citizenship. The P-1A visa is commonly used by professional athletes coming to the U.S. to compete in a specific event or season. This applies not only to individual athletes but also to members of teams or clubs recognized internationally. It is widely used by soccer players, basketball players, MMA fighters, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitors, and even elite chess players. Athletes must demonstrate a high level of international recognition and a record of performance in their sport. The O-1A visa is a strong option for coaches who demonstrate extraordinary ability, typically evidenced by championship titles, sustained winning records, or recognition as integral to their team’s success. To qualify, a coach must establish that their expertise places them among the small percentage of top professionals in their field. For athletes seeking permanent status in the U.S., the EB-1A immigrant petition —often referred to as the “extraordinary ability green card”—provides a direct path to lawful permanent residency. It requires clear documentation that the individual is among the very best in their sport and has achieved sustained national or international success. Unlike other green card categories, the EB-1A does not require employer sponsorship and can be self-petitioned. This has become a common path for MMA world champions, BJJ black belt medalists, Olympic athletes, and chess grandmasters—many of whom now represent the U.S. at the highest levels of international competition. It’s important to note that U.S. immigration law defines “athlete” broadly. Whether you are a professional football player in Europe, a sprinter from the Caribbean, a judoka, a gymnast, or a grandmaster in chess, your achievements may qualify under these categories if they are properly documented and presented. The key is a consistent record of excellence and recognition in your sport on a national or international scale. Our office specializes in these types of immigration matters. Whether you are an individual athlete looking to relocate or an organization seeking to bring international talent to your roster, we offer tailored legal strategies to support your goals. If you are exploring options to compete, train, or build your future in the U.S., we’re here to help you take the next step.
