How to get started with Cricket Management in the United States using P-1 and O-1 Visas
Customer Inquiry from Cricket Management Team
Hello! I have some players for whom we want to sponsor O1/P1 visas, and I wanted to see if you can help guide us.
P-1 visas are difficult to obtain right now before Major League Cricket Commences
Thus far, USCIS has yet to readily acknowledge that Minor League Cricket is an entity that requires internationally recognized athletes, which makes it impossible to obtain a P-1. P-1 visas not only require that the athlete applicant be categorized as internationally recognized but the events the athlete will participate in must also be internationally recognized.
Furthermore, it is more difficult in team sports like cricket to show player recognition than in individual sports.
O-1A and O-2 Structure recommendation for Cricket Teams and Management Companies
We recommend that cricket organizations seek to obtain at least one O-1A on their roster and use the approval to apply for O-2 essential support staff.
We wrote an article on the topic here: https://www.sherrodsportsvisas.com/o-1-o-2-visas-for-competition-teams-rather-p-1-visas
Have candidates fill out an intake sheet so the team can provide feedback on which cricket player(s) have the best chance of obtaining the O-1A visa.