P-1, Entertainer/Athlete)

The P-1 visa is available for athletes and entertainers with international level recognition to enter as non-immigrant for up to five years. In order to qualify for this Visa, the performance or event must require a performer of international quality and must demonstrate a high level of achievement in the field evident by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.

P-1A Visa – Professional Sports Players and Athletes Visa

Athletes qualifying under this category will need to demonstrate that they are internationally recognized and are preparing for competition or participation in an athletic competition or athletic league with a stellar reputation. To qualify for a P-1A Visa the alien must be able to submit at least two of the following:

• Evidence of significant participation in a prior season with a major United States sports league;
• Evidence of having participated in international competition with a national team;
• Evidence of having significant participation in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition;
• A written statement from an official of the governing body of the sport, which details how the athlete 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 athlete or team is internationally recognized;
• Evidence that the athlete or team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings
• Evidence that the athlete or team has received a significant honor or award in the sport.

P-1B Visa – Entertainers Visa

The entertainers qualifying for P-1B Visa include musicians, dancers, circus personnel, singers and most other types of performance groups. The entertainer group must have at least two members and seventy-five percent (75%) of the entertainment group must have been performing together for at least one year. Additionally, the entertainment group must provide evidence that the group has international recognition by submitting at least two of the following documents:

• Evidence that the group has performed, or will perform, as a starring or leading entertainment group in distinguished productions or events
• Evidence that the group has achieved international recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievement evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published material
• Evidence that the group has performed and will perform services as a leading group for distinguished organizations and establishments
• Evidence that the group has a record of major commercial or critically acclaimed successes.
• Evidence that the group has achieved significant recognition for achievements from organizations, critics, government agencies, or other recognized experts
• Evidence that the group has achieved international recognition and acclaim for outstanding achievement evidenced by reviews in major newspapers, trade journals, magazines, or other published material
• Evidence that the group has commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other numeration for services.