P-1A Athlete
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:
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An individual athlete at an internationally recognized level of performance;
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Part of a group or team at an internationally recognized level of performance;
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A professional athlete; or
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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.
Internationally Recognized Individual Athletes
You must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific athletic competition in a sport in which you are internationally recognized. You are internationally recognized if you have a high level of achievement in a sport, demonstrated by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered. Your achievement must be renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country. The competition(s) you wish to participate in must have a distinguished reputation and be at an internationally recognized level of performance such that it requires the participation of an internationally recognized athlete.
Internationally Recognized Athletic Teams
You must be coming to the United States to participate in an athletic competition with a team that, as a unit, has achieved international recognition in the sport. The competition in which your team is participating must have a distinguished reputation and be at an internationally recognized level of performance such that it requires the participation of an internationally recognized athletic team.
Professional Athletes
You must be coming to the United States to be employed as an athlete by:
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A team that is a member of an association of six or more professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed $10 million per year. The association must govern the conduct of its members and regulate the contests and exhibitions in which its member teams regularly engage; or
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Any minor league team that is affiliated with such an association.
The applicant must submit a copy of a tendered contract with a U.S. sports league or team and documentation of at least two of the following:
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Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major United States sports league;
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Evidence of having participated in international competition with a national team;
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Evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition;
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A written statement from an official of the governing body of the sport which details how you or your team is internationally recognized;
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A written statement from a member of the sports media or a recognized expert in the sport which details how you or your team is internationally recognized;
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Evidence that you or your team is ranked, if the sport has international rankings; or
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Evidence that you or your team has received a significant honor or award in the sport.
Amateur Athletes or Coaches
You must be coming to the United States to perform as 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 foreign league or association must meet the following requirements:
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The league or association must consist of 15 or more amateur sports teams;
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Participation in the league must make players temporarily or permanently ineligible under National Collegiate Athletic Association rules to:
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Earn a scholarship in the sport at a U.S. college or university; or
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Participate in the sport at a U.S. college or university;
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The league or association must be the highest level of amateur performance of that sport in the relevant foreign country; and
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A significant number of the individuals who play in the league or association are drafted by a major sports league or a minor league affiliate.
Amateur Athlete's or Coach' prospective employer, agent, or sponsor must submit evidence that you the applicant is coming to the United States to perform as an athlete or coach as part of a team or franchise located in the United States that is a member of a foreign league or association that meets the requirements listed in the Eligibility Criteria section of this page.
This evidence may include but is not limited to:
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Reviews, articles, and reports from established sports media outlets showing the level of performance of the league or association; or
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Contracts, copies of rules and by-laws, and other documentation from the league office showing the level of performance of the member teams.
Theatrical Ice Skaters
You must be coming to the United States to participate in a specific theatrical ice skating production or tour as a professional or amateur athlete who performs individually or as part of a group.
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