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 P-1
 The P-1 visa is for members of entertainment groups, individual athletes, and members of athletic teams.

This visa category is currently eligible for expedited processing by the USCIS for an addtional fee of $1,000 (U.S.). If you would like to take advantage of this program, please click here to begin your "P-1 Premium Processing" application.



What Are The Requirements For An P-1 Visa?
How Long Is The P-1 Visa Valid?
What Is The Application Fee: Full ServiceFast Forms


 What Are The Requirements For An P-1 Visa?
 VisaNow.com® can prepare and submit the P-1 visa application if the P-1 visa applicant is presently in the U.S. in status or outside of the U.S.

Eligibility for P-1 Athletes:

A P-1 athlete must be coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform at an athletic competition as an athlete, individually or as a part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance. Internationally recognized means a high level of achievement shown by a degree of skill, and recognition showing that the P-1 visa applicant is renowned, leading, or well known in more than one country. A P-1 visa applicant must have the following:
  1. A tendered contract with a major United States sports league or team, or a tendered contract in an individual sport commensurate with international recognition in that sport, and
  2. Documentation of at least two of the following:
  • Evidence of substantial participation in a prior season with a major United States sports league;
  • Evidence participation in international competition with a national team;
  • Evidence of substantial participation in a prior season for a United States college or university in intercollegiate competition;
  • A written statement from an official of a major United States sports league or an official of the governing body of the sport which details how the visa applicant or team is internationally recognized;
  • A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport which details how the applicant or team is internationally recognized;
  • Evidence that the individual or team is ranked if the sport has international rankings;
  • Evidence that the alien or team has received a significant honor or award on the sport.
Eligibility for P-1 Entertainers:

A P-1 entertainer must be coming to perform as a member of an entertainment group. Individual entertainers do not qualify for P-1 status. Individual entertainers must seek admission as an O-1, P-2, P-3, or H-2B visa holder. Entertainers applying for a P-1 visa must perform as part of a group or be essential support for the group. The group's status determines eligibility for the P-1 visa, not the status of the individuals comprising the group. The group must be internationally recognized as outstanding for a sustained period. To qualify as a P-1 member of an entertainment group, the applicant must show:
  1. Evidence that the group has been established and performing regularly for a period of at least one year;
  2. 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
  3. Evidence that the group is internationally recognized in the discipline. This may be demonstrated by evidence of the group's nomination or receipt of significant international awards or prizes for outstanding achievement in its field or by three of the following:
  • Past and future performance as a starring or leading entertainment group in productions or events which have a distinguished reputation as evidenced by critical reviews, advertisements, publicity releases, publications, contracts, or endorsements;
  • International recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievement in the group's field as evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published material;
  • Past and future performance of services as a leading or starring group for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation evidenced by articles in newspapers, trade journals, publications, or testimonials;
  • Record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes, evidenced by ratings, standing in the field, box office receipts, record, cassette, or video sales, and other achievements in the field as reported in trade journals, major newspapers, pr other publications;
  • Significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies or other recognized experts in the field. These testimonials must indicate the author's authority, expertise, and knowledge of the applicant's achievements; or
  • Past or future receipt of a high salary or other substantial remuneration for services comparable to others similarly situated in the field as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.


 How Long Is The P-1 Visa Valid?
 P-1 visa holders are admitted for the time necessary to complete the event, competition or performance. An event, competition, or performance is an activity such as an athletic competition, athletic season, tournament, tour, exhibit, project, entertainment event, or engagement. An athletic competition or entertainment event could include an entire season of performances.


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