Combat sports athlete Dalcha Lungiambula successfully obtains P-1 visa

We are very pleased to announce that Sherrod Sports Visas, headed by our very own Sherrod Seward Esq., has helped another athlete obtain a P-1 visa and compete in the United States. Mr. Dalcha Lungiambula, from Republic of Congo, is an internationally recognized mixed martial artist. He will be competing in world class competitions in the United States.

Dalcha Lungiambula, Congolese Mixed Martial Artist

Dalcha Lungiambula, the beneficiary, was a member of the Congolese National Judo Team from 2007 to 2009 before moving to MMA in 2010. Mr. Lungiambula won the EFC light heavyweight title in August 2016. During the same year, he competed in the World Jiu-Jitsu Championship and won the ADCC Submission Wrestling World Championship in Abu Dhabi. Moreover, he won the EFC light-heavyweight title in June of 2018. 

Mr. Lungiambula has proven his mettle through his exceptional talent and track record. His P-1A Petition is supported by ample evidence that he meets at least two of the P-1A criteria and qualifies for the non-immigrant P-1 visa. Second, he seeks to come to the United States on a temporary basis to continue competing in world championship level combat sports events. Mr. Dalcha Lungiambula is unambiguously qualified to be classified as a P-1A alien of extraordinary ability. 

During his stay in the United States, Mr. Lungiambula is expected to participate in the UFC, Ikon Fighting Federation, PFL, Fight 2 Win, and ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, among others. 

What are the benefits of a P-1 visa?

If you are successfully granted with a P-1 visa, the following are the advantages:

  1. Unrestricted travel;

  2. Engage in part-time study;

  3. Apply for adjustment of status and lawfully seek to become a permanent resident of the U.S;

  4. Enter the U.S. and perform for payment or prize money; and 

  5. Apply for visas for accompanying essential support personnel and dependents.

However, a P-1 visa has some limitations, to wit:

  1. P-1 visa applications will be approved only when the appropriate U.S. sports league or organization is consulted by the USCIS;

  2. The dependents of P-1 visa are not permitted to work during their stay in the U.S. If the dependents wish to work in the U.S., they have to apply for a work visa; and

  3. P-1 entertainers (though not athletes) must be performing as part of a group and not individually.


Moreover, a P-1 work visa holder may be allowed to stay in the United States for up to five years with extensions not to exceed a total stay of ten years.


If you are a professional athlete or a coach and you need help with your visas, please contact us at 310-209-8645 or email us at info@sherrodsportsvisas.com. We will be happy to assist you.


Sherrod Seward