P-1 (Athletes and Group Entertainers)

Introduction:

  • The P-1A nonimmigrant visa category applies to an alien coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform at a specific athletic competition as an individual or as part of a group or team participating at an internationally recognized level of performance.
  • The P-1B nonimmigrant visa category applies to an alien entertainer coming temporarily to the U.S. to perform as a member of an entertainment group that has been recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline for a substantial period of time, and who has had a sustained relationship with the group.
  • P-1 Major League Sports classification is for major league athletes, minor league sports, and any affiliates associated with the major leagues including, but not limited to baseball, hockey, soccer, basketball, and football.

Criteria for Individual and Group Athletes (P-1A):

  • The alien or team must be internationally recognized with a high level of achievement;
  • The event, competition or performance must be distinguished and require the participation of athlete or team with international reputation; and
  • An appropriate labor organization shall issue a written consultation.

Criteria for Group Entertainers (P-1B):

  • At least 75% of the members of the group must have a substantial and sustained relationship with the group for at least 1 year, which can be waived in exigent circumstances;
  • The entertainment group must be internationally recognized with a high level of achievement. The reputation of the group, not the individual achievements of its members or the acclaim of a particular production, is essential;
  • Circuses do not have to meet 1-year group membership or international recognition requirements; and
  • An appropriate labor organization shall issue a written consultation.

Period of Stay:

  • The individual athlete, the alien may be allowed to remain in the U.S. for the length of completion of the event, competition or performance, and not to exceed 5 years. Extension of stay is available with the increments of up to 5 years. The total stay is limited to 10 years.
  • For group athlete and group entertainers, the alien may be allowed to remain in the U.S. for the length of completion of the event, competition or performance, and not to exceed 1 year. Extension of stay is available with the increments of up to 1 year.

Essential Support Personnel (P-1S):

  • Essential support personnel are highly skilled aliens coming temporarily as an essential and integral part of the competition or performance of a principal P-1A or P-1B, or because they perform support services which cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker and which are essential to the successful performance or services of the principal P-1A or P-1B.
  • They include coaches, scouts, trainers, referees, front office personnel, camera operators, lighting technicians, and stage personnel, etc.

Family of P-1A and P-1B:

  • Spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may come to the U.S. under P-4 status.
  • They are not permitted to work, but may attend school or college.