P-1 Visa Service

The P-1 visa is a temporary visa, assigned for those who are coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as part of a whole group or team, which is recognized internationally.

A P visa is divided into two subcategories: P-1A for an internationally known athlete and P-1B for an internationally known entertainer. P-1 visas are issued to entertainers, circus artists, and athletes who wish to work in the U.S.

Artists and athletes are essential for a healthy cultural exchange. The global community benefits greatly from the work of each country’s greatest thinkers and performers. P-1 visas are issued to entertainers, circus artists, and athletes who wish to work in the U.S. Individual members of the entertainment industry are not eligible for the P-1 visa classification, but individual athletes are. Individual artists cannot usually get a P-1 visa, except when the rest of their group members are already in the United States.

Athletes, entertainers, and artists must be known internationally for their outstanding performance to be allowed P visas and have a constant period of achievement no less than one year. A minimum of 75 percent of the group’s individual members must have a maintained relationship to the group, generally satisfied by at least one year of membership.

Members of the entertainment industry will be issued the visa for a specific event only. However, individual athletes may be allowed for five years and a team for a period of six months. Entertainment groups with an outstanding international reputation can be granted P-1 classification as a unit; however, individual entertainers within these groups cannot apply for separate visas.

Eligibility Criteria

To compete in the U.S., outstanding athletes may apply for this visa either as individuals or as members of an internationally recognized athletic team:

• Individual Athletes: Must participate in an event, competition, or performance in which they are internationally recognized for a high level of achievement, supported by skill and acclaim above the ordinary.

• Athletic Teams/Groups: Must participate in a team event with international recognition in the field, where the event itself requires participation of globally acknowledged teams.

• Entertainment Groups: Must be internationally acknowledged and known for a sustained level of achievement. The group’s reputation is vital—not individual accomplishments. At least 75% of members must have been with the group for at least one year.

Application Procedure

When filing a P-1 visa petition, the following steps apply:

• The U.S. employer must file Form I-129, Petition for Non-Immigrant Worker, with the required fee and documentation.

• If acting as an agent for multiple employers, the petitioner must prove proper authorization.

• A consultation from an appropriate labor organization must be submitted unless one does not exist.

• The consultation should outline the type of services and required skills.

• If representing a group, proof of a one-year performance history is needed.

Documentations

Form I-129 for Athletes Must Include:

Written consultation from a labor organization

• Travel and event details
• Copy of a contract with a major U.S. league or team

At least two of the following:

• International rankings

• Significant sports awards

• Participation in U.S. college-level athletics

• Endorsement from a major league or sport body

• Participation in U.S. leagues or international competition

Form I-129 for Entertainers Must Include:

• Proof of a one-year performance history

• Labor organization consultation

• Itinerary of performances

• Contract or summary of terms of employment

• Proof of international recognition, such as:

• Critical acclaim, major awards, reviews, or nominations

• Record of commercial success, sales, box office ratings

• Lead performances in prestigious venues or festivals

• High compensation compared to others in the field

Family Status (P-1A & P-1B)

Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 may obtain P-4 status. They may not work, but they are permitted to attend school or college in the U.S.

Support Personnel

Essential support staff may qualify for a P-1 visa if they perform services that are crucial and not replaceable by U.S. workers. This includes:

• For athletes: trainers, scouts, coaches, officials, referees

• For entertainers: lighting crew, sound engineers, technicians

The employer must file a separate Form I-129 for support personnel. Documentation must include:

• Labor consultation specific to the support person’s skill area

• Statement describing the person’s essentiality and prior experience

• Written contract or summary of oral agreement

For expert guidance on P-1 visa filing, consultation, and documentation, contact Atlanta Immigration Services. We help athletes and entertainers from around the world achieve their performance goals in the United States.