Graduating student athletes have a tremendous advantage for adjusting status to either O-1 or P-1 visas. These athletes are already in the United States and often have a great portfolio of accomplishments to help satisfy the eligibility requirements of both the P-1 or O-1 Category. 

Sports Immigration Lawyer, Sherrod Seward, Esq. discusses visa options for International Student Athletes

In this video, Sherrod Seward, Esq., world renown sports immigration lawyer, discusses how International Student Athletes can change status to P-1 or O-1 visas and the advantages for each one. 

Advantages of P-1 Visa for International Student Athletes on F-1 or Opt Visas

The P-1 visa allows students to obtain 3 to 5 year visas to compete in the United States, train for these activities, and also maintain sponsorships in relation to the competitions. Being an NCAA athlete is one of the seven categories of eligibility for P-1 visa status. Satisfying another category can be awards won during the NCAA category, opinions of experts in the sport, participation with a national team, and more. The more challenging portion of the P-1 application is satisfying the itinerary portion of the application that calls for a series of events that require the participation of internationally recognized athletes.

Advantages of O-1A  Visa for International Student Athletes on F-1 or Opt Visas

The O-1A visa allows international student athletes to obtain 3 year nonimmigrant status to compete, coach, perform seminars, and product content related to their sport. The great thing about O-1A visas is that they have much more flexibility for work authorization. There is no need for the athlete to have to compete at all under this category unlike the P-1 visa. This is very helpful in sports such as tennis where the international student desires to work for a country club and does not necessarily want to compete. This is also helpful in sports where it may be tough to come up with an itinerary that requires the participation of internationally recognized athletes. The O-1A does have more difficult standards for eligibility than the P-1 visa and each case must be assessed individually. 

For student athletes that do pursue the O-1A visa, our firm offers a program where we can also prepare a P-1 at a reduced rate to best represent our clients that are international student athletes. 

For more information, do not hesitate to contact our office at 704-243-8178

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