P-1 visa — internationally recognized athletes, teams and entertainment groups
Updated:
The P-1 is a temporary U.S. visa to compete or perform at an internationally recognized level. P-1A covers individual athletes and athletic teams; P-1B covers members of an entertainment group recognized internationally as outstanding. Individual entertainers cannot receive P-1 status apart from a group.
What 'internationally recognized' means
The regulations define it as a high level of achievement, shown by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that the achievement is renowned, leading or well known in more than one country (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p)(3)).
Athletes and teams (P-1A)
The petition generally includes a contract with a major U.S. sports league or team, or a contract in an individual sport commensurate with international recognition, and at least two of the following (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p)(4)(ii)(B)):
- significant participation in a prior season with a major U.S. sports league;
- participation in international competition with a national team;
- significant participation in a prior season for a U.S. college or university in intercollegiate competition;
- a written statement from an official of the sport's governing body on how the athlete or team is internationally recognized;
- a written statement from a member of the sports media, or from someone recognized in the sport, on the same;
- an international ranking, if the sport has one;
- a significant honor or award in the sport.
Entertainment groups (P-1B)
The group must have been recognized internationally as outstanding in its discipline for a sustained and substantial period, and established and performing regularly for at least one year. Generally 75 percent of the members must have had a sustained and substantial relationship with the group for at least one year (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p)(4)(iii)). International recognition is shown by a significant international award or by at least three types of evidence such as starring roles in distinguished productions, international reviews and commercial success.
How the process generally works
- A U.S. employer, sponsoring organization or agent files Form I-129 with the P supplement.
- The petition generally includes a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization, the contracts, and an itinerary of the competitions or performances.
- USCIS decides the petition; premium processing is available for an additional government fee.
- If approved, the athlete or members apply for visas at a U.S. consulate.
How long it lasts
A petition for an individual athlete may be approved for up to five years. A petition for a team or an entertainment group is approved for the time needed to complete the competition, event or performance, up to one year (8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p)(8)(iii)). Extensions are possible.
Questions and answers
Can a solo musician get a P-1?
Generally no. P-1B is for members of a group that performs as a unit; an individual artist usually looks at the O-1B instead.
Does a coach qualify for P-1A?
A coach is not an athlete, but essential support staff may qualify for P-1S status with the athlete or team. Some coaches qualify for the O-1A on their own record.
Is there a cap on P-1 visas?
No annual cap applies to P-1 classification.
Sources
- 8 C.F.R. § 214.2(p) — P classification (eCFR)
- USCIS — P-1A internationally recognized athlete
- USCIS — P-1B member of an internationally recognized entertainment group
Related categories
- O-1AExtraordinary ability — sciences, business, education, athletics
- O-1BExtraordinary ability — arts, film & TV
- EB-1AGreen card — extraordinary ability
This page is general information about U.S. immigration law, not legal advice. Requirements and procedures change, and whether a category fits depends on the facts of each case. Government filing fees are separate and are set by the agencies.