P1 Visa for Athletes

What is P1 Visa

The P1 Visa is a U.S. non-immigrant visa for internationally recognized athletes, athletic teams, and entertainment groups coming to the U.S. to perform at a specific event, competition, or performance. It is designed for those who have achieved a high level of distinction and recognition in their field.

There are two main categories:

• P1A Visa – For athletes or athletic teams.

• P1B Visa – For members of internationally recognized entertainment groups.

P1 Visa Requirements

For P1A (Athletes):

• Must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a specific athletic competition.

• Must be internationally recognized for excellence in the sport.

• If a team is applying, the team must have international recognition and be entering to compete in distinguished events.

For P1B (Entertainers):

• Must be a member of an entertainment group with international recognition.

• The group must have been established for at least 1 year and at least 75% of members must have been with the group for a year or more.

• The group must have a high level of achievement and recognition in their field.

Common Requirements for Both:

• A U.S. employer or sponsoring agent must file Form I-129 on the applicant’s behalf.

• Must include proof of international recognition, contracts, event details, and expert opinions.

• Labor union consultation is often required for both athletes and entertainers.

P1 Visa Process

The P1 visa process involves several key steps:

1. U.S. Employer or Agent Files Form I-129

   • The sponsoring U.S. employer or authorized agent must submit Form I-129 (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker) to USCIS on behalf of the athlete, team, or entertainment group.

   • The petition should include:

     • A detailed description of the event(s) or performance(s).

     • Proof of international recognition, awards, rankings, media coverage, etc.

     • Employment contract(s) or itinerary.

     • Consultation letter from an appropriate labor union or peer group.

2. USCIS Review and Approval

   • USCIS reviews the petition and may request additional evidence (RFE) if needed.

   • Once approved, a Form I-797 Approval Notice is issued.

3. Apply for Visa at U.S. Embassy or Consulate

   • The applicant completes Form DS-160 (online visa application).

   • Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.

   • Bring:

     • Valid passport

     • DS-160 confirmation

     • USCIS approval notice (Form I-797)

     • Supporting documents, including contracts and an itinerary

4. Visa Issuance & Entry to the U.S.

   • Upon approval, the P1 visa is stamped in the passport.

   • The applicant may then travel to the U.S. and begin work or performance.

P1 Visa Processing Time

• USCIS Petition Processing:

  • Standard processing: 2 to 6 months

  • Premium Processing (Optional): 15 calendar days (with additional fee)

• Consular Processing:

  • After USCIS approval, visa appointment wait times vary by country—usually a few days to a few weeks.

  • Visa issuance after the interview may take 5 to 10 business days, depending on administrative processing and consulate workload.

Total Processing Time: Can range from 1 to 3 months with premium processing, or 3 to 6+ months with regular processing.