P-1 Visa
P-1 Visa is a type of nonimmigrant worker visa for individuals who are internationally recognized athletes, or members of internationally recognized athletics teams or entertainment groups. P-1 Visa consists of two categories as P-1A for Athletes, and P-1B for Entertainment Groups. Both P-1 Visa categories have their eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for P-1A Visa:
- The applicant must show achievement of an extraordinary level of performance and international recognition if the candidate is an individual athlete
- Team must demonstrate that the team together has achieved international recognition if the candidate is a part of team
- The applicant must be coming to the U.S to participate in an event of competition or perform as an internationally recognized athlete or athletic teams
- There must be a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor
Eligibility Requirements for P-1B Visa:
- Entertainment group must have extraordinary achievement and consequently gained international recognition
- At least 75 percent of the entertainment group has had a consistent relationship with the group at least for a year
- The entertainment group must be employed by a U.S. employer, agent, or sponsor
However, for more information on the documents you need to provide as proof of your eligibility, please refer to the section “evidence to submit” on the USCIS website.
Family Members:
Family members of P-1A and P-1B Visa holders can accompany them on a P-4 dependent nonimmigrant status.
Essential Support Personnel:
Essential support personnel is eligible to apply for P-1 Visa if and only they are vital to the performance of athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment groups, and there are no available U.S. workers to replace them.
Essential support personnel for athletes and athletic teams including but not limited to:
- Coach
- Scout
- Trainer
- Umpire
- Referee
Essential support personnel for entertainment groups including but not limited to:
- Front office personnel
- Stage personnel
- Lighting technician
- Camera operator
FAQ:
The duration of a P-1 Visa depends on the time for the visa beneficiaries to complete their events in the United States. However, the initial stay on P-1 cannot exceed a full year for both P-1A and P-1B Visas.
P-1A beneficiaries can get a one-time extension of up to 5 years while P-1B beneficiaries can be granted one-year extensions in increments.
Your family is not authorized to work on P-1 status, but they can attend non-academic, vocational studies.
No. You are required to be a member of an entertainment group to be eligible for a P-1B Visa.