Empowering Athletes For Global Success
Sports Immigration
Visas for Professional Athletes
“McEntee law firm recently helped me secure my P-1 Visa... Great communication, clearly stated timelines, and the people were very easy to work with.”
Josh Z.
From Visa to Victory Lap
At McEntee Law Group, we are passionate advocates for immigrants, and that passion is matched by our love for sports. We are here to help athletes bring their extraordinary talents to the United States. Our team of experienced immigration attorneys have had immense success helping sports teams across the United States, and we are here to also guide you.
An All-Pro Attorney On Your Side
Our sports immigration services can be the right fit for you if:
- You are a professional athlete coming to the U.S. to compete in a team sport
- You are an internationally recognized individual athlete or athletic team coming to the U.S. to compete in distinguished competitions
- You are an extraordinarily talented athlete who is competing at the top of your field.
- You are a coach or hold other technical roles supporting O-1 or P-1 athletes in the U.S.
Visa Options for Athletes:
O-1A Visa
For Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement in Athletics
The O-1A visa is designed for individuals with extraordinary abilities in various fields, including athletics, business, science, education, or the arts. For athletes, this visa can showcase their extraordinary talent on an international stage within the U.S. It requires applicants to demonstrate a high level of achievement and recognition in their field, typically through awards, media recognition, and/or significant contributions to their sport. Successful O-1A visa holders are granted temporary residency in the U.S. to pursue their athletic endeavors.
O-2 Visa
For individuals who will accompany an O-1 athlete or coach.
The O-2 visa is specifically designed for individuals who accompany and assist O-1 visa holders. This visa is available to essential support personnel, such as coaches, trainers, and other key staff members, whose skills are crucial to the successful performance of the O-1. To qualify for an O-2 visa, applicants must demonstrate that they are an integral part of the O-1 Beneficiary’s actual performance or event and that they possess critical skills and experience with the O-1 that are not of a general nature and that U.S. workers do not possess. The O-2 visa allows holders to provide essential support to the O-1 visa holder in the U.S. they are not allowed to work separate or apart from the O-1 visa holder.
P-1A Visas
For professional or internationally recognized athletes.
The P-1A Professional Athlete visa is designed for professional athletes who are coming to the U.S. and will be employed by a team that is a member of an association of 6 or more professional sports teams whose total combined revenues exceed $10 million per year, and the association governs the conduct of its members and regulates the contests and exhibitions in which its member teams regularly engage; or a minor league team that is affiliated with such an association.
P-1S Visa
For Essential Support Personnel of Athletes
The P-1S visa is specifically designed for essential support personnel accompanying P-1 visa holders. Essential support personnel may include coaches, trainers, or other key staff members whose expertise is integral to the athletic performance and success of the P-1 visa holders. To qualify for a P-1S, individuals must demonstrate their essential role in supporting the P-1 beneficiary and provide evidence of their expertise and experience in the field of athletics.The P-1S visa allows holders to provide essential support to the P-1A visa holder in the U.S. they are not allowed to work separate or apart from the P-1A visa holder. P-1S visa holders for Major League teams can provide essential support to the entire team, not just the P-1A visa holder.
Consultation
You'll be matched with an experienced attorney who will assess your needs and develop a strategy for your immigration goals.
Gathering Evidence
We carefully gather and organize all necessary evidence to ensure it directly addresses the specific requirements of your application.
Preparing & Filing Your Case
Our team will draft a comprehensive application, which you’ll have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on before submission.
Post-Decision Steps
After your case has been submitted, there may be additional steps such as an interview or consular processing. We will be with you along the way.
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