WHAT INFORMATION DO I NEED TO PETITION FOR O-1 VISA AS A COACH

The O-1 visa category is often the best visa classification for coaches looking to work in the United States. Approvals for P-1 visas are very limited for coaches and typically only used for coaches in major sports leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and the NHL. Other visa categories for coaches have significant limitations and/or barriers:

Subject to caps such as the H-1B and H-2B visa 

Require investment such as the E-2 and L-1 visa

Require a principal visa holder such as the P-1S and O-2 visa  

O-1 visas for coaches can present some unique challenges because the petitions often rely on the accomplishment of the coach’s pupils. In most sports, coaches do not receive as many awards as the actual athletes or receive as much media coverage. Both of these factors can be an issue for proving an O-1 case, but there are ways a smart immigration attorney can take advantage of their accomplishments. 

Below are six ways that coaches can help prove their O-1 case:

1. Employment in an essential capacity – While the coach does not earn world championships, coaches do play a critical role in winning them. Winning records, championships, and streaks can be used in this eligibility category. The petition should not just list the accomplishment but also show how the coach served a critical role.

2. Remuneration – Coaches typically are not paid the same as an athlete, but the amount they do get paid per project could be high for a coach. Coaches do not have to be paid as much as the high salaries of coaches in major sports leagues. Simply comparing the salary to averages in US labor statistics can be useful.

3. In-kind remuneration – Athletes often promote coaches and their coaches’ brands as much as their sponsors. Sponsors pay good money to obtain this promotion. Comparing the promotion the coach receives from a popular athlete to the financial benefits they receive from paying sponsors is a useful way to show a coach receiving a high value for services.

4. Training manuals – many coaches keep notes of plays, techniques, or have notes written for them about their coaching techniques. If carefully argued, this information could be utilized for the scholarly article/contribution eligibility requirement of the O-1 visa.

5. Artistic contributions – Some coaches train a specific technique or position so much that there is an “art to it”. For example, a martial arts instructor might have a kick that they are known for. 

6. Expert letters – Expert letters should be used to fill gaps that are not easily proved. For example, while an expert letter can list the accomplishments of a coach, the letter can also confirm the reputation of the awards, confirm remuneration, or describe a special technique. 

If you are a coach seeking to obtain an O-1 visa, do not hesitate to schedule a consultation with our office by calling 704-243-8178 or emailing us at info@sherrodsportsvisas.com