P-1 visa

A P-1 visa is a visa for supposedly world-class foreign athletes, but it does not allow an athlete to perform work such as coaching. The athlete must compete in internationally recognized or caliber tournaments during the duration of this visa. Being ranked merely 450 out of 1,000 players worldwide in an obscure sport can suffice. Being #1 in a home country is not sufficient; the athlete must be internationally recognized.

The P-1 visa is one of the most durable, flexible, and easier-to-obtain visas for a foreign athlete seeking entrance into the United States. As with any visa, if the applicant does not indicate an intention to return home after the visa expires, as when questioned during an interview, then the visa application could be denied and the applicant could even be banned from re-applying

A single sponsoring agent, but can have more than one employer. Adjustment to their status is possible if the foreigner marries an American citizen.

Publishing an article can help a bit, but the test is focused more on demonstrating that the athlete is at the top of the field.

These visa-holders are allowed to have a day job.

Scrutiny of these and other visas increased under President Donald Trump, as he properly attempted to limit the rampant immigration into the United States that tends to displace Americans from good job opportunities and scholarships.

Even a foreign employer can be a sponsor agent for the P-1 visa. Payment for services is not allowed to a P-1 visa holder, but stipends and clubs are allowed for training as long as it does not include the athlete doing coaching.

The duration is 5 years with an easy extension of another 5 years, while the rival O-1 visa can be more difficult to obtain. Must be a new petition if there is a material change, such as deciding to compete in a different sport or sponsor changes, such as the sponsoring sports club going out of business.

Alternatives

• O-1 visa, which works better for coaching, but O-1 has a higher standard for being top of the field
• EB-1 green card (for athletes at the very top of their field)

Policy

The policy of granting any long-term visas, other than to compete in a tournament and then return home, to any foreign athletes is worth questioning. What is the benefit to the United States? Perhaps to inspire younger athletes and create some sports complexes, as some of the foreign tennis players who became American citizens have done.