Sports Visas
Travelling to the U.S. for Sports-Related Activities
Many athletes around the world need to travel to the U.S. as part of their work, which means they need to obtain the proper visas to do so. There are a variety of visa types that allow sports professionals to travel legally, each corresponding to different circumstances.
If you are an athlete or athletic coach who needs one of these visas, our Raleigh sports visa attorneys are here to help. We have extensive experience with helping all types of individuals obtain temporary legal status in the U.S., and are prepared to handle a variety of scenarios for travelling athletes.
Call Garner Law PLLC today at (919) 355-5134 to discuss your questions with our sports visa attorneys in Raleigh. In your initial consultation, we can help you get started with filing for your visa!
O-1 and P-1 Visas for Athletes
The O-1 visa is for individuals with “extraordinary ability” in certain fields, including athletics, who are travelling to the U.S. to carry out work related to that ability. An athlete is considered to have “extraordinary ability” if he or she has gained national or international fame. The athlete’s coach, trainer, or manager may qualify for an O-2 visa to also travel to the U.S.
It is important to note that a sports team is not eligible for O-1 visas unless each member of the team qualifies as having “extraordinary ability.” The P-1 is the appropriate visa for sports teams that need to travel together for a competition in the U.S. Also, the sports event for which they are travelling must be one that has gained international recognition.
If you and/or your team need to travel to the U.S., get in touch with our elite immigration team of Raleigh sports visa attorneys. We can guide you through all the necessary steps toward obtaining the visa you need.
B-1 Business Visitor Visa
Some athletes may qualify for this business-related visa, which typically applies to individuals traveling to the U.S. for strictly professional purposes. Individual professional athletes can come to the U.S. with a B-1 visa to participate in a special sporting event or competition. They cannot receive a salary in the U.S. except for prize or reward money, which is one of the main differences between the B-1 and the P-1 visa. Furthermore, the B-1 is also available to amateur hockey players who are travelling to the U.S. for try-outs.
EB-1 Employment-Based Immigrant Visa
The EB-1 visa, otherwise known as “Employment-Based Extraordinary Ability Green Card,” is for multinational executives, managers, and individuals with extraordinary ability who are seeking permanent residence in the U.S. to continue performing their job. The EB-1 C, specifically, allows sports coaches who have been transferred to the U.S., or who need to work in the U.S. for an extended period of time, reside and work in the country. One major requirement for obtaining this visa is that the applicant prove he or she has been employed by a multinational company for at least one year within the last three years.
Let Us Help You Achieve Your American Dream
At Gardner Law PLLC, your success is our priority. Attorney Gardner is a member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, the North Carolina Bar Association, and the North Carolina State Bar, making her a recognized and trusted advocate in the field.
If you need assistance with obtaining a visa for sports-related immigration, do not hesitate to contact our Raleigh visa attorneys today.
