P-1 Visa For Athletes

P-1 Visa:

  • The P-1 visa provides temporary work authorization for athletes who are internationally recognized, and seeking entry to the U.S. to perform at specific athletic competition.

Petitioner Required:

  • Like most non-immigrant visas, the P-1 visa requires a petitioner to sponsor an individual for the visa.

  • The petitioner can be the applicant’s actual employer, a United States sponsoring organization, or an agent.

Basic P-1 Visa Requirements:

  • To qualify for P-1 visa for MMA or related activities, individuals must prove that they are internationally recognized in their field.

  • This means having a high level of achievement in a field evidenced 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.

Evidence Needed:

Applicants must show that they have international recognition in the sport based on their reputation. In addition to a contract for the event, applicants must also have proof of at least 2 of the following:

  1. Evidence of having participated in a prior season with a major United States sports league.

  2. Evidence of having participated in international competition with a national team.

  3. Evidence of having participated in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition.

  4. A written statement from an official of the governing body of the sport which details how the applicant is internationally recognized.

  5. A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport which details how the applicant is internationally recognized.

  6. Evidence that the individual is ranked if the sport has international rankings.

  7. Evidence that the applicant has received a significant honor or award in the sport.

Application Process:

  • An employer or agent files an I-129 petition with USCIS

  • If the applicant is currently in the U.S. under another visa classification, the I-129 petition can be filed as a “change of status.” When USCIS approves the I-129 petition, the applicant’s visa status is automatically changed to P-1 visa status.

  • If the applicant is not in the U.S., after the I-129 petition is approved the applicant must apply for a P-1 visa stamp at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their home country.

Approval Period:

  • If the I-129 petition is approved, the applicant will obtain authorization to reside and work in the U.S. for the time needed to complete the event/competition, but this period of time cannot exceed 5 years.

  • Applicants may be able to extend their P-1 visa status in up to 5-year intervals, but the total stay is limited to 10 years.

Family Members:

  • Spouses and children under the age of 21 are eligible for P-4 visas, which allow them to travel and reside in the U.S. for the same period as the P-1 visa holder.

More Information:

Revised April 8, 2023.