O1-A Visa for Elite Athletes and coaches

Unlock the door to your athletic career in the U.S. with our specialized O-1 visa services at Sherrod Sports Visas. Tailored for elite athletes, we guide you through every step of the visa process, ensuring compliance and success.

 
 

What is the O-1 Visa

The O-1 visa provides a unique avenue for athletes with exceptional talent to pursue and excel in their sports careers in the United States. This non-immigrant visa is designed for sports professionals who have shown outstanding expertise and notable accomplishments in their field. Sherrod Sports Visas is dedicated to guiding athletes through the detailed process, from clarifying eligibility requirements to efficiently managing the application steps.

O-1A Visa Benefits

The O1-A visa, a category for individuals with extraordinary abilities, offers unique benefits for athletes who have reached the pinnacle of their sport. At Sherrod Sports Visas, we specialize in navigating the intricacies of this visa category, ensuring that athletes can leverage these benefits to their fullest potential.

3-Year Extendable Stay

Athletes can reside in the U.S. for three years under the O1-A visa, with the possibility of an extension for continued training and competitions.

 

No Requirement for Foreign Residence

Athletes on this visa are not required to keep a residence in another country, allowing them to concentrate on their careers in the U.S.

Freedom of International Travel

Holders of the O1-A visa have the liberty to travel abroad for competitions and training sessions without restrictions.

 

Family Inclusion via O-3 Visa

Athletes' families can accompany them to the U.S. using the O-3 visa, facilitating family support and unity.

Support Team Accessibility with O-2 Visa

Coaches and essential support personnel can secure O-2 visas to provide necessary assistance to athletes in the U.S.

 

Benefits Tailored for Athletes

The O1-A visa offers a combination of professional adaptability, travel flexibility, and family inclusion, specifically catered to athletes' needs.

 

O-1A Visa Requirements

To prove eligibility for an O-1 visa, an athlete must have one very important international award or prove three of the O-1 eligibility categories:

  • One major award:

    • Olympic medal

    • World championships

    • Athlete of the Year awards

    • Etc. 

  • Or three the O-1 visa categories:

    • Important lesser national and international awards

    • Serving as a judge on the work of others

    • Detailed favorable letters from experts

    • Special original contributions 

    • Writing scholarly articles in reputable outlets

    • Being a member of a prestigious organization or group

    • Articles from reputable sources that talk about the beneficiary

    • Remuneration 

    • Employment in critical/essential capacity in the past

Start your O-1 Visa Application

Do you compline with some requirements for the O-1A Visa? Contact us now and let’s start your sports journey in the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The O-1 visa is designed for athletes recognized as having extraordinary abilities in their sport, evidenced by sustained national or international acclaim.

  • Initially, the O-1 visa can be valid for up to three years, with the option to request extensions in one-year increments indefinitely, as long as the athlete continues to meet the visa requirements​​​​.

  • Yes, athletes can switch employers while on an O-1 visa. However, the new employer must file Form I-129 with USCIS for the change to be official​​.

  • The processing time can vary, but it typically ranges from three to four months. Athletes can also opt for premium processing, which can shorten this time to 15 calendar days​​​​.