P-1S visas approved for Gordienko and Buzurtanov, essential support personnel of Ali Izmailov

Sherrod Seward Esq., the managing member of the Sherrod Sports Visas (SSV), is delighted to announce that they have helped the essential support personnel of Russian boxer Ali Izmailov in their P-1S petition. The beneficiaries of this petition are Ali’s manager, Khusein Buzurtanov and his trainer/coach, Gennedy Gordienko. Mr. Buzurtanov will manage and administer the bouts and training camps of Mr. Izmailov and Mr. Gordienko will train and coach Mr. Izmailov for his future bouts. 

Gordienko and Buzurtanov, Essential Support Personnel for Ali Izmailov 

The beneficiaries in the P-1S petition, Gordienko and Buzurtanov, are the trainer/coach and manager of the Russian boxer Ali Izmailov. As part of Mr. Izmailov’s support staff, it was demonstrated and proven in the petition that they are highly skilled individuals who have extensive experience in Coaching and Management of Combat Sport Athletes particularly with Ali. 

Moreover, the services offered by both Gordienko and Buzurtanov cannot be completed by someone in the United States for the following reasons: 

a. Language Barrier – Most Russian fighters do not speak English very well; 

b. Functional Training - Functional training is important in combat sports because of the diversity of movement that occurs in competition; 

c. Athlete Management - Athlete Management is important in combat sports because it determines the longevity and the growth of the athlete; and 

d. Logistical Support - Mr. Gordienko is the logistical support for the training camp. Boxers often have several coaches that all provide important aspects to training for competition. The beneficiary is not only the functional trainer but also

serves as the logistic liaison between working with the manager Mr. Buzurtanov on all of the specialty and coordinating travel in and out of competitions which occur all over the world. 

Who is qualified for the P-1S Classification? 

For athletes who have successfully received their P-1A visa, their support staff/personnel must file a separate Form I-129. The petition must include the following documents: 

a. A consultation from an appropriate labor organization with expertise in the area of the essential support person’s skill; 

b. A statement describing the essential support person’s prior and current essentiality, critical skills, and experience with the P-1 athlete or team (unless coming to work in a Major League Sport); and 

c. A copy of a written contract between the employer and the essential support personnel or a summary of the terms of the oral agreement under which the essential support personnel will be employed. 

The essential support personnel eligible for P-1S classification are those who have an integral part of the performance of a P-1 nonimmigrant and perform support services that cannot be readily performed by a U.S. worker. This may include coaches, scouts, trainers, broadcasters, referees, linesmen, umpires, and interpreters. 

Are you a professional athlete or coach that needs help with your visa? You can contact us at 310-209-8645 or email us at info@sherrodsportsvisas.com. We will be happy to assist you.