WORK VISAS TO THE UNITED STATES

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ATHLETE/ENTERTAINER VISA TO TEH UNITED STATES

For the Internationally Recognized Athlete/Entertainer Visa, the applicant must be an athlete or entertainer known internationally either individually or as part of group, which is known as being outstanding for a sustained and substantial period of time. In the case of a performer, they must have a sustained relationship with the group for at least one year.

The applicant must be able to demonstrate his or her international acclaim through the receipt of international awards, honors, or acclaim from well-respected authorities.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ATHLETE/ENTERTAINER VISA (P-1) BASIC REQUIREMENTS

The Internationally Recognized Athlete/Entertainer Visa requires prospective sponsors or employers to file an application on behalf of the visa applicants to enter the United States. To qualify, applicants must be internationally recognized and destined to enter the United States to perform or participate in a specific event. Applicants may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED ATHLETE/ENTERTAINER VISA (P-1) ENTITLEMENTS

For members of the entertainment industry, the visa will be issued for a specific event only not to exceed one year. However, individual athletes may be admitted for five years with a possible five-year extension and a team for a period of one year with one-year incremental extensions. Although applicants must have a foreign residence that they do not intend to abandon, applicants under this category can also have dual intent, meaning the applicant can maintain P-1 visa status while applying for a US Green Card to remain in the US permanently.

Essential support personnel may accompany the applicant to the United States. Spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the visa holder in the United States may obtain the relevant visa. This will allow spouses and children to study in private or public schools in the United States without the need to obtain a Study Visa. Spouses and children may apply for work authorization if seeking employment for their duration of stay in the United States.