Each year, the US hosts some of the world’s most competitive spots tournaments and events, from professional leagues to international showcases. For internationally recognized athletes, coaches, and teams, the opportunity to compete in the US is both prestigious and career-advancing. But to enter the country legally for this purpose, you’ll need the right visa.
That is where the P-1A visa comes in. This nonimmigrant visa is designed specifically for athletes and teams coming to the United States temporally to participate in competitions or events.
At Remitly, we understand the importance of accurate information for visas and actionable steps. This P-1A visa guide walks you through eligibility, required documents, how to apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls.
What is the P-1A visa?
The P-1A visa is a US nonimmigrant visa for athletes and athletic teams who have achieved international recognition in their sport. This visa allows eligible individuals or teams to come to the US to compete in events that require a high level of performance and prestige.
You also qualify if you’re part of an internationally recognized team or group, are a professional athlete, or are a coach or athlete as part of a foreign association or league.
Who qualifies for a P-1A visa?
There are additional eligibility criteria dependent on the type of athlete you are. To be eligible for a P-1A visa, you must fall into one of the following categories:
Individual atheltes
International athletes must show evidence of skills and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered in the field, be renowned in more than one country, and participate in competitions that have a distinguished reputation and are internationally recognize.
Athletic teams
Internationally recognized athletic teams must have achieved international recognition in their sport, participating in highly regarded competitions.
Professional athletes
Professional athletes must be entering the US temporarily to be employed by a team that’s a member of an association with more than five professional sports teams. Combined, these teams must have a minimum annual revenue of $10 million USD.
Alternatively, you can join a minor league associated with the over-five-member association.
Amateur athletes and coaches
Amateur athletes and coaches coming to the US must be members of foreign leagues or associations that consist of a minimum of 15 amateur sports teams of the highest skill in the country, and be temporarily or permanently ineligible to earn a scholarship in the sports at US higher education facilities like universities or colleges or participate in that sport at university or college level.
Theatrical ice skaters also qualify, provided they participate in a specific theatrical ice skating tour or production, as part of a group or an individual.
P-1A visa application requirements
To support your application, you’ll need documentation providing your qualifications. This can include:
- International awards or honors
- Media recognition such as articles, reviews, or other published material acknowledging your achievements
- Membership in an international sports federation
- Participation in international competitions
- Team or individual awards
- Professional competitive records. You can also provide amateur records
- Copies of written or verbal contracts or agreements
- Sometimes, consultation from an appropriate labor organization is necessary
In addition, a US employer or agent must file Form I-129 (Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker) on your behalf.
Step-by-step guide on applying for a P-1A visa
Applying for a visa can be confusing. By following these steps, we hope that you’ll find some clarity in the process, and feel less overwhelmed.
Step 1: Petition from US sponsor
The sponsoring organization files Form I-129 with the US Citizenship and Immigrant Services (USCIS), along with applicable fees and supporting evidence such as P-1 Classification Supplement, contract, and itinerary.
They must pay the correct fee, which is currently at $2,805 for premium processing.
Step 2: Wait for approval
Wait for a decision from USCIS. If your petition is approved, you’ll receive Form I-797 (Notice of Action).
Step 3: Complete the visa application
Next you’ll fill out and accurately complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) after the sponsor’s petition is approved. Spare 90 minutes and visit the online portal to complete the application. You will also pay the nonrefundable $185 visa application fee.
Be sure to save the confirmation page for your records.
Step 4: Schedule ,prepare and attend the interview
Schedule an interview at a US embassy or consulate near you. When you attend your interview, present supporting documents, including your valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your stay in the US, Form DS-160 confirmation page, visa payment receipt, passport photos meeting US visa photo requirements, visa appointment confirmation, Form I-797 approval notice, contracts, and evidence of recognition.
Expect the consular officer to ask you some of these common interview questions:
- What’s your sport?
- How long have you been playing professionally?
- What are some of your major awards and achievements?
- Have you competed internationally? Where, when, and how did you perform?
- Who is your sponsor in the US?
- What team will you be working with?
- How long will you stay?
- Do you have a written contract?
- Have you been to the US before?
- Do you plan to return to your country after the event?
- Can I see your supporting documents?
Estimated processing timelines for P1-A visa and associated costs
First, you must wait for the USCIS to process Form I-129 and issue Form I-797. How long you’ll wait depends on the type of visa processing you pay for. Regular processing takes between two and four months while optional premium processing (Form I-907) takes 15 calendar days.
The expedited service currently costs $2,805. The USCIS refunds the fee if Form I-129 isn’t processed within 15 days.
After petition approval, you’ll wait up to five weeks for P1-A visa issuance.
Tips to avoid P-1A visa delays
To avoid delays, consider the following:
- Pay the right fee as prescribed by the USCIS
- File an accurate and complete petition form
- Consider premium processing of the USCIS petition
- Prepare clear and well-organized documents
- Provide strong evidence of international recognition to avoid a Request for Evidence (RFE)
- Begin the process as soon as possible
Common challenges when applying for P-1A visa
Like all visa applications, challenges are a normal part of the P-1A visa application process. P-1A applicants face these three main problems.
Problem 1: Difficulties proving international significance and recognition.
Possible solution: Compile comprehensive supporting evidence, such as detailed biographies, professional endorsements, and media coverage.
Problem 2: Uncertainty about meeting sponsorship obligations for US-based organizations.
Possible solution: Consult with experienced legal advisors to ensure all P-1A visa requirements are met.
Problem 3: Delays in Form I-129 petition approvals.
Possible solution: Apply well in advance and consider premium processing when available.
P-1A visa validity, renewal, and benefits
The P-1A is valid for the length of the competition or event, usually up to five years for individuals and one year for teams.
You can extend your visa while still in the US by filling with the USCIS, usually in increments of up to five years for individuals and one year for teams, with a total maximum of ten years. Your US sponsor or employer must submit a new Form I-129 to facilitate the process.
You’ll also attach a statement explaining the extension, an updated itinerary (providing updated event or competition information), and proof of continued eligibility such as new endorsements or contracts. It’s best to file at least 45 days before the expiry.
In case you forget to file for an extension while in the US and your visa expires, you must leave the country and reapply for a P-1A visa at a US consulate or embassy near you.
Can family members and support staff join?
With a P1 visa, you may bring along your dependents to the US. However, they’ll apply for a P-4 visa, a nonimmigrant visa designed for spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 of P-1A visa holders.
Although the P-4 visa doesn’t allow your immediate family members to work in the US, they may enroll in the American education system and attend college or university.
They are also allowed to change the status of their current visa to a P-4 if they are already living in the US or extend their stay by filling out Form I-539 (Application to Change/Extend Nonimmigrant Status) and paying the prescribed fees. You can check the fee schedule for the latest visa change or extension rates.
In the absence of US-based support personnel, you may bring along support personnel such as coaches, trainers, scouts, and other essential staff. They’ll apply for a P-1S visa and the petitioner must file form I-129.
You’re also allowed to extend the time for P-1S visa holders in one-year increments, for a maximum of ten years.
Benefits of P-1A visa for internationally recognized athletes
P-1A visa holders can bring their families and support personnel like coaches to the US, enjoy a long stay of up to ten years, including teams and support personnel, and extend their visas without leaving the US.
They are also allowed to work legally in the US—but only as athletes—enter the US multiple times under the same visa attending events and competitions, and qualify for permanent residency under EB-1A (extraordinary ability) or EB-1B (outstanding professional athletes).
P-1A visa holders are also recognized as international achievers.
Obtain an athletic visa for the US to compete at a reputable international stage
The P-1A visa is a powerful option for international athletes seeking to compete in the US. It provides legal entry for sports professionals at the top of their game and opens doors to networking, exposure, and even long-term opportunities.
Being well-prepared is essential for athletes, coaches, and representatives alike. To reduce risks of delays and denials, ensure you’re eligible for the P-1A visa and your US sponsor meets sponsorship obligations for US-based organizations.
Start your application today or reach out to an immigration expert for tailored support to ensure a smooth application process and compete at your best on the US stage with the P-1A visa.
FAQs
What counts as international recognition for the P-1A visa?
Being renowned in more than one country and participating in competitions with a distinguished reputation and are at an internationally recognized level of performance.
Provide evidence such as international awards or honors, media recognition such as articles, reviews, or other published material acknowledging your achievements, and membership in an international sports federation to support your case.
Can dependents of P-1A visa holders work in the US?
The P-4 visa doesn’t allow immediate family members to work in the US, but they may enroll in the American education system and attend college or university.
How long does the P-1A visa application take to process?
P-1A application has two stages. USCIS petition approval takes between two and four months for regular processing, and 15 calendar days for premium processing.
After petition approval, you’ll wait up to five weeks for P1-A visa issuance.
Are extensions available if my competition schedule changes?
Yes. You can extend your visa while still in the US by filling with the USCIS, usually in increments of up to five years for individuals and one year for teams, with a total maximum of ten years. Your US sponsor or employer must submit a new Form I-129 to facilitate the process.
What happens if my sponsor cancels the event or withdraws support?
Your sponsor must notify the USCIS about the cancellation or withdrawal. Then, your P-1A petition becomes invalid. If you’re still outside the US, your P-1A visa application will be denied. If you’re already in the US, your P-1A status will end.
You may be granted (not a guarantee) a 60-day grace period (or until your I-94 expires, whichever is sooner) to find a new sponsor and file a new Form I-129, change your visa status, or prepare to depart the US.