> Overview
A P-1 petition is an employment-based visa petition through which an employer or agent can ask the government to provide a work visa for an athlete or entertainer. While the P-1 visa standards are high, a P-1 visa can be easier to obtain than an O-1 visa for extraordinary ability.
An athlete may qualify for a P-1 visa if the athlete is internationally recognized or will be a member of an internationally recognized team and seeking to perform at an athletic competition (including a tournament, tour, or season) in the US. The athlete must also provide at least two of the following:
A members of an entertainment group may qualify for a P-1 visa if the entertainment group is internationally recognized and at least 75% of the group’s members have been with the group for at least one year. International recognition is demonstrated by the group’s nomination for or receipt of a significant international award or prize for outstanding achievement or at least three of the following:
The agent or employer must also include with its petition a copy of the contract for the performance or competition and an advisory opinion from an entity such as a peer group or labor organization in the industry if such an organization exists. The advisory opinion must state that the individual qualifies an alien of extraordinary ability.
We will work with the agent or employer to assure all documents will satisfy the government’s requirements. Such documents include the offer of employment letter and an advisory opinion, which we will help procure. We will work with the individual to obtain all necessary documents.
To submit the best P-1 petition, both the individual and the employer or agent will need to provide us with as many relevant documents supporting the individual’s claim to satisfy as many of the above requirements as possible.
Due to the large amounts of money combined with critical timing needs often involved with P-1 visa holders, we strongly encourage anyone wishing to procure a P-1 visa seek the counsel of an immigration attorney to assist in satisfying the government’s high standards.