Visas for Athletes & Performers

O-1A Visas

O-1A Visa: This visa is for individuals with extraordinary ability in the arts, athletics, or sciences. To qualify, the individual must have a high level of achievement, such as awards or recognition from organizations in their field. Extraordinary ability is proven to the USCIS by showing that the person has received a major internationally recognized award (such as the Nobel Prize or Olympic medal) or at least three of the following forms of evidence:

  • Documentation of the beneficiary's receipt of nationally or internationally recognized prizes or awards for excellence in the field of endeavor;

  • Documentation of the beneficiary's membership in associations in the field for which classification is sought, which require outstanding achievements of their members, as judged by recognized national or international experts in their disciplines or fields;

  • Published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about the beneficiary, relating to the beneficiary's work in the field for which classification is sought, which must include the title, date, and author of such published material, and any necessary translation;

  • Evidence of the beneficiary's participation on a panel, or individually, as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization for which classification is sought;

  • Evidence of the beneficiary's original scientific, scholarly, or business-related contributions of major significance in the field;

  • Evidence of the beneficiary's authorship of scholarly articles in the field, in professional journals, or other major media;

  • Evidence that the beneficiary has been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation; or

  • Evidence that the beneficiary has either commanded a high salary or will command a high salary or other remuneration for services, as evidenced by contracts or other reliable evidence.

P-1 Visas

The P-1A visa is a popular option for athletes who are coming to the United States to compete or perform at an internationally recognized level. The P-1A classification applies to you if you are coming temporarily to the United States solely for the purpose of performing at a specific athletic competition as:

  • An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance;

  • Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance;

  • A professional athlete; or

  • An athlete or coach, as part of a team or franchise that is located in the United States and a member of a foreign league or association.

The P-1B classification applies to you if you are coming to the United States temporarily to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been established for a minimum of one year and recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a sustained and substantial period of time.

Individual entertainers not performing as part of a group should apply for the O-1, not the P-1B visa.

Why Choose Ian Rochstein?

  • Skilled Expertise

    Decades of experience in handling diverse athlete and performer immigration cases.

  • Localized Insight

    Based in Denver, we’re attuned to the specific challenges and prospects of Colorado’s immigrant community.

  • Dedicated Support

    We grasp both the emotional and bureaucratic challenges of immigration. Our pledge is to make your journey as seamless as possible.

Athlete & Performer Visa Frequently Asked Questions

  • Individuals with sustained acclaim in their field often qualify for the O-1 visa. Internationally recognized athletes and entertainment groups often use the P-1, and culturally unique artists and performers may qualify for the P-3. We help you choose the best fit.

  • Typically awards, press coverage, contracts, rankings, and letters from experts or organizations in your field. We help you gather and present it in the strongest way.

  • Yes, these visas require a U.S. employer or agent to file the petition. We can help you understand how that works for your tour, season, or engagement.

  • As early as possible. We recommend starting several months before your first event, since petitions often require an advisory opinion and USCIS processing time.

  • The O-1 is for individuals with extraordinary ability or achievement. The P-1 is for internationally recognized athletes, teams, and entertainment groups. The right choice depends on your record and the kind of events you're coming for.

  • Often, yes. Essential support personnel can apply for their own related visas. We include them in the plan from the start so everyone arrives on time.

In need of a O-1A or P-1 Visa?

Talk with an immigration attorney who will know your case by name. Tell us about your situation and we'll explain your options, in English or Spanish.

Schedule a Consultation