Visas for Athletes
Immigration help for athletes, teams, coaches and support staff who compete, train or work in the United States.
Competing in the U.S.? Let’s find the right visa.
Compete and train in the United States
Athletes coming to the United States to compete, sign with a team or coach often need a work-authorized visa, and the right category depends on your level of recognition, the events involved and who is sponsoring you.
Our attorneys explain the options that may fit, the evidence your petition needs and the timing to plan around your season.
Athlete visas we handle
Common options include:
P-1A internationally recognized athletes and teams
For individual athletes and teams coming to compete at a recognized international level.
O-1A extraordinary ability in athletics
For athletes and coaches with sustained national or international acclaim.
Coaches and essential support staff
Coaches, trainers and other personnel who are essential to an athlete’s or team’s performance may qualify for related visa categories.
EB-1A green cards for extraordinary ability
Permanent residence for athletes and coaches at the very top of their field, in some cases without an employer sponsor.
Petitions by teams, leagues and agents
Petitions may be filed by a U.S. team, league, event organizer or, in some cases, an agent representing several engagements.
Family members
Spouses and children may be eligible for dependent visas that let them accompany the athlete.
Planning your next season in the U.S.?
Call us or send a request early, so there is time to prepare a complete petition before you need to travel.
How we help
Review your career
We look at your rankings, contracts, awards, media coverage and planned events to identify the categories that may apply.
Build the petition
We organize the evidence, including contracts, itineraries and the written consultation that many O and P petitions require from a sports or labor organization.
Plan the timing
We help you file with enough time for review and visa processing before your competition or season.
Every case depends on its facts and the rules in effect. No attorney can guarantee an approval or a processing time.
Talk to Us About an Athlete Visa
Tell us about your sport, your level of competition and your plans, and our team will contact you. Please keep passport numbers and contracts for a direct conversation with our team.
Athlete visa questions
- The P-1A is generally for athletes and teams competing at an internationally recognized level for specific events or seasons. The O-1A is for individuals with sustained national or international acclaim. Which fits better depends on your record and plans.
- Coaches, trainers and other essential support staff may qualify for related visa categories when they are an integral part of the athlete’s or team’s performance. We can review their role.
- Some athletes and coaches qualify for permanent residence, for example through the EB-1A category for extraordinary ability or other employment-based options. We can explain the paths that may apply to you.
- Yes. Your initial consultation is free. If you decide to hire us, representation is a paid service and payment plans are available.
Talk to our team
305-883-7272Mon–Fri 8 AM–7 PM · Sat 9 AM–4 PM
24/7 emergency assistance: 305-883-7272
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