“We experienced a significant reduction in the administrative burden and the
elimination of many typical communication hold-ups associated with the traditional
model of providing immigration services.”
Corporate Counsel
Tokyo Electron
A P-1 visa is issued to members of entertainment groups, individual
athletes, and members of athletic teams. P-1 classification also includes essential
support personnel for the primary P-1 applicant.
What are the Requirements for a P-1 Visa?
How Long is The P-1 Visa
Valid?
VISANOW can prepare and file the P-1 application if the applicant
is presently in the U.S. in valid status or if the applicant is outside the U.S.
A P-1A athlete or athletic team must be coming to the U.S. temporarily,
solely for the purpose of performing in a competition, event, or performance.
A P-1A individual athlete or team must also be internationally recognized. This
means they must have demonstrated a high level of achievement evidenced by a degree
of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. They must
be renowned, leading or well known in more than one country.
The P-1A visa category has also been recently expanded to include the minor league
professional athletes under certain circumstances.
A P-1A visa applicant must have the following:
- A tendered contract with a major U.S. sports league or team, or a tendered contract
in an individual sport commensurate with international recognition in that sport,
and
- Documentation of at least two of the following:
- Significant participation in a prior seasons in majors;
- International competition with a national team;
- Significant participation in a prior season for U.S. college or university or intercollegiate
competition;
- Written statement from U.S. official in sport about a person or team’s international
recognition;
- Written statement from expert or sport’s media as to international recognition;
- Team or individual ranking; or,
- Significant honor or award in a sport.
A P-1B entertainer must be coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform
as a member of an entertainment group. Individual entertainers do not qualify for
P-1 status and must instead seek admission to the U.S. as an O-1, P-2, P-3, or H-2B
visa holder.
The P-1B applicant must perform with or be an essential part of an entertainment
group that is internationally recognized. This means that the group must have demonstrated
a high level of achievement evidenced by a degree of skill and recognition substantially
above that ordinarily encountered. They must be renowned, leading or well known
in more than one country.
The P-1B Performer generally must have had a sustained and substantial relationship
with the group over a period of at least one year.
A P-1B visa applicant must show the following:
- Evidence that the group has been established and performing regularly for a period
of at least one year;
- A statement from the applicant listing each member of the group and the exact dates
which that member has been employed on a regular basis by the group, and
- Evidence that the group has been nominated or has received significant international
awards or any three of the following:
- Star or lead in a performance that has distinguished reputation;
- Reviews in major publications;
- Star or lease in performance for organization that has distinguished reputation;
- Major commercial or critically acclaimed success;
- Testimonials regarding the groups significant reputation; or
- Group will command or has commanded a high salary.
P-1A visa holders (athlete) may be admitted to the U.S. for a period of up to 5
years. A one-time 5 year extension may also be filed. P-1A petitions for an athletic
team and P-1B petitions for entertainment groups may not exceed 1 year.
VISANOW can assist both in the preparation of the initial P-1 application and also
in the P-1 extension application.