Visa Solutions for Equestrian & Rodeo Sports

Visa options for Rodeo and Equestrian Professionals

B-1 Visitor Visas

B-1 visitor visas are suitable for riders and support staff who will only come to the United States for a limited time, typically under 6 months. These visas are very limited and do not come with work authorization. If a foreign national does work under B-1/B-2 visa status, they risk being later denied a visa for unauthorized work. In special circumstances, horse industry professionals who compete in events that give prize money may accept the payments but this should be done carefully. In addition, B-1 visas are discretionary and not a privilege, therefore, they can be denied or revoked without much recourse available. 

P-1 Visas for Jockeys and Riders

P-1 visas are suitable for professional horse riders, jockeys and rodeo athletes who come to the United States to compete in high profile events. P-1 visas are typically reserved for individuals who are directly involved in the competition of the horse in sports, such as rodeo, barrel racing, show jumping, horse racing, and harness racing. This is typically riders and jockeys who are eligible for the P-1 visa. The riders must be internationally recognized and have an itinerary of events to compete. Work that is closely associated with the competitions is permitted as well. 

O-1 Visas for Riders and Equestrian Support Staff

• O-1 visas are appropriate for horse riders, jockeys, rodeo athletes, and equine support staff such as trainers, horseshoe makers, agents, managers, nutritionists and other essential staff. An O-1 visa is more flexible than the P-1 visa because the visa is appropriate for more than direct competition staff and does not require an itinerary of competitions. The O-1 visa is appropriate for equestrian professionals who have a record of outstanding achievements in their particular field and can prove it with credible evidence. Our lawyers are very efficient and thorough in helping our clients evaluate their eligibility for extraordinary ability visas to USCIS. 

• O-2 and P-1s visas are available for the support staff of riders, jockeys, and essential equine support staff with O-1 or P-1 status. For example, if a horse needs additional support from foreign nationals in addition to the jockey (which is common), then our attorneys can use the work authorization from a jockey who holds O-1 or P-1 status to apply for additional work authorizations for horse trainers, nutritionists, business persons, horseshoe makers, and other essential support staff under the O-2 and P-1S visa categories. 

• O-3 and P-4 visas for family (spouse and children) of riders, jockeys, and essential equine support staffers with O-1 or P-1 status and support staff under O-2 and P-1S visas. 
  

We are available to case evaluations to determine the best visa category for equestrian professionals in the O and P visa categories. 

O and P visas could be appropriate solutions for the following equestrian and rodeo professionals: 

• Jockeys

• Barrel Racers

• Bull Riders

• Horseshoe Makers

• Horse Trainers

• Harness Racers

• Ropers

• Polo and Polo Teams

• Show Jumpers

• Steeplechase Riders

• Horse Pulling Teams

• Tent Peggers

• Stable Managers

• Horse Trainers

• Equipment Manufacturers

• Carriage Racers