What are the requirements to obtain P-1 status as an athlete or performer?

The P-1 category is for a foreign national coming to the U.S. temporarily to perform services as an internationally recognized athlete, whether individually or as part of a group or team (i.e. two or more persons who function as a unit), or as a member of an internationally recognized entertainment group.

Entertainment group members must perform with or serve as an integral and essential part of the performance and have a sustained and substantial relationship with the group, which typically means more than one year of membership.  The group itself must be established for one year and recognized internationally as outstanding in the discipline.  Also, 75% of its members must have been performing entertainment services for the group for a minimum of one year.

P-1 petitions must be filed by a U.S. employer, a U.S. sponsoring organization, a U.S. agent, or a foreign employer through a U.S. agent.  Athletes and members of entertainment groups cannot self-sponsor for P-1 status.

Please note that essential support personnel may also obtain P-1 status to accompany the athlete or performers to the U.S.  Essential support personnel includes highly skilled and key individuals who provide services integral to the athletic performance or entertainment (i.e. services that cannot readily be performed by a U.S. worker).

Individual athletes can obtain P-1 status for up to five years.  Athletic teams can obtain it for up to one year and the same is true for entertainment groups.  Please contact our San Francisco immigration law office if you need assistance with a P-1 petition.

Tags: athlete, entertainer, P-1, performer, tour
Posted in FAQ - P-1, Nonimmigrant Visas, USCIS | Read More »