Sherrod Sports Visas client World-class Martial Artist Ian Escuza successfully obtains favorable result of his O-1A Extraordinary Ability petition

Sherrod Sports Visas is pleased to announce that Ian Escuza was among its clients who were successful in receiving an O-1A visa. As an exceptional athlete focusing on World Championships, Mr. Escuza is unambiguously qualified to be classified as an O-1A World Class Martial Artist of extraordinary ability. 

Ian Escuza, phenomenal Muay Thai artist

Ian Escuza, a Peruvian world-class martial artist, is a student of the International Business School and athlete at the University of Lima, Peru. He is best known for being a world champion in Thai boxing. Mr. Ian Escuza has won medals in various national and international media. At the age of 21, he won the International Federation Muaythai Amateur (IFMA) world championship title in 2017. He also participated in the Pan American Championship 2016 and 2017 where he bagged silver and bronze medals, respectively.

Mr. Escuza has been practicing Muay Thai for about 4 or 5 years. He specialises in power kicks, spinning elbows, and low kicks. He is expected to participate in the following events in the United States: iKon Fighting Championships on UFC Fight Pass, Ultimate Fighting Championships, Professional Fighters League, Fight 2 Win, ADCC Submission Fighting World Championship, International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), and World Jiu-Jitsu Championship, among others.

O-1 Visa: Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement

For an O-1 visa, the employer or agent of the beneficiary must file a petition for a nonimmigrant worker. The O nonimmigrant classification covers several categories. In the case of Mr. Ian Escuza, O-1A applies. It is for individuals with an extraordinary ability in the sciences, education, business, or athletics (not including individuals with an extraordinary ability in the arts).

Mr. Escuza’s I-129 O-1A Petition is supported by ample evidence that he meets the criteria and qualifies for the non-immigrant extraordinary ability visa. First, Mr. Escuza has extraordinary ability in the exclusive field of Martial Arts. Second, he seeks to remain in the United States on a temporary basis to continue competing in championship level martial art events.

Under relevant rules, Mr. Athlete can prove his eligibility in one of two ways. The first is “evidence of a one-time achievement.” He is entitled to the O-1A non-immigrant visa pursuant to this factor as the World Champion in Muay Thai in the year 2017, at the IFMA World Championship in Belarus.

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.