We are pleased to announce that Clayton-based track and field management company AllStarz Athletix Mgmt has obtained a multiyear P-1 visa for world-class hurdler Siddhanth Thingalaya of India. Sherrod Sports Visas Senior Attorney, Sherrod Seward, was lead counsel on the case that allows the beneficiary, Siddhanth, to receive work authorization to compete in world-class events in the United States. 

“To be honest, it felt very good to have a success story for a P-1 visa in India,” says Sherrod Seward.” We are noticing a huge difference in the aggressiveness that the USCIS is adjudicating sports visas from India. In fact, today is November 18 and we have a request for evidence responded to in August that still is not answered by the USCIS. 

Indeed, Sherrod Sports Visas as a firm has experienced more pressure on athlete P-1 and O-1 petitions from the USCIS on Indian beneficiaries – Siddharth’s case was no different. As a firm, Sherrod Sports visas made sure to take extra steps to ensure he met the evidentiary standard for the P-1 visa. However, the USCIS pushed back on the requirement that the athlete will only be competing in competitions that require the participation of international athletes. The original petition included a full list of IWAFF listed competitions for the first twelve months of the athlete’s P-1 visa validity time. Our sports immigration team was able to delve deeper into the significance of each event and submit a successful response to the USCIS, which approved the visa.

Track athletes are excellent candidates for P-1 petitions and can have tremendous success when their accomplishments are presented properly to the USCIS. Sherrod Sports Visas is a tremendous immigration resource to athletes, sports agencies, and brands that support track and field athletes. 

1. There is an appropriate organization to obtain a consultation letter for track and field from. Please note that it can take a while to receive back a letter.

2. There is a ranking system in track that is recognized worldwide for international ranking.

3. National team experience needs to be carefully articulated and explained for participation and significance.

4. Each event might need to include supporting evidence that shows international participation is encouraged and/or required to make the event successful. 

For more information on P-1 and O-1 visas for track and field athletes, please visit Sherrod Sports Visas website www.sherrodsportsvisas.com or give us a call at 704-243-8178.