Immigration Information for Athletes and Coaches

Sherrod Sports Visa USA is a premier sports-based immigration information service with offices in Los Angeles, CA; Washington, DC; and Charlotte, NC. Our professionals and partners are some of the most knowledgeable resources in the world for athletes, coaches, and sports executives to receive United States work authorization. For full service to sports and esports clients, Sherrod Sports Visas consults O-1, P-1 and EB-1 for athletes; O-1, P-1S, and O-2 visas for coaches and essential support people. Sherrod Sports Visas is your best resource for all sports-related immigration information to the United States.

➤ LOCATION

Washington, DC Office

Office Line: 202-903-2404

1717 N Street NW STE 1

Washington, DC 20036 

Charlotte, NC Office

Office Line: (704) 243-5780

5309 Monroe Rd Suite 118

Charlotte, NC 28205

Los Angeles, CA Office

Office Line: 310-209-8545

1801 Century Park East

25th Floor 

Los Angeles, CA 90067 

P-1A Visa Eligibility Factors

• National team experience consisting with significant contributions

• Consultation letter from the national governing body that describes the accomplishments of the beneficiary

• NCAA varsity experience with significant contributions

• Reputable International Rankings

• Being signed to a US Major League team in the previous season

• Letters from industry experts and other high level athletes

• Significant Awards

  and

Schedule of events in the United States that enjoy an international reputation

Visas for Athletes

Our P-1 Visa attorneys help athletes from all over the world to obtain the proper work authorization to train, compete, and do other activities within the United States.

P-1: P-1 visas are appropriate for most athletes and some coaches to train or compete in the United States. Obtaining and maintaining work authorization is essential for a foreign athlete to remain in the United States.

O-1: O-1 visas are appropriate for many athletes, most coaches, and other support staff who have risen to the top of their respective fields.

• B-1/B-2: Visitor visas are appropriate for athletes who are coming solely to the United States to perform non-paying activities. These visas are not appropriate for athletes who will be paid for their services

• EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Visas are green card categories for athletes.

Visas for Sports Industry Professionals

O-1: These visas are appropriate for creatives and sports business persons who are among the best their field.

P-1S: Certain sports industry professionals can qualify as essential support staff of a P-1 visa holder.

E-1: Sports business professionals who do regular business with the United States may be eligible for a bilateral trade investment visa depending on their nationality.

L-1: Foreign business owners and their employees may qualify for an intra-company transfer visa if they open or already own a subsidiary in the US.

O-1A Visa Eligibility Factors

One significant international award (e.g. Olympic medal or world championship)

Or three of the following factors:

• Significant national and international awards

• Judging and evaluating the work of others

• Favorable and detailed support letters from experts, other high level athletes, and media insiders

• Special contribution of techniques, coaching methods, and more

• Beneficiary writing scholarly articles

• Membership of a prestigious organization

• Publications and articles that speak about the beneficiary

• High salary compared to other athletes or professionals in the same sport

• Previous employment in a critical or essential capacity
  

Visas for Coaches

O-1: Most coaches do not qualify for P-1 visas unless they work for a major sports league. The O-1 visa is the appropriate visa for coaches, trainers, and other people who support athletes to work in the United States

EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 Visas are green card categories for coaches.

Visas for Agents & Managers

Agents and managers of foreign athletes who compete in the United States can obtain work authorization visas that permit easy travel in and out of the United States.

O-1: Managers and agents with proven track records and awards may be eligible for the O-1 extraordinary ability visa.

P-1S: Managers and agents of P-1 visa holders may be eligible to obtain P-1S visas as essential support staff.

E-1: Depending on nationality, agents and managers of athletes who regularly compete in the United States may be eligible for a bilateral trade investment visa depending on their nationality.

L-1: Agencies, management teams, and their employees may qualify for an intra-company transfer visa if they open or already own a subsidiary in the United States.