P-1 Athletes & Entertainers

What is the P-1?

The P-1 is a temporary visa for internationally recognized athletes, teams, and entertainment groups (with P-1S for essential support staff). A U.S. employer, sponsor, or agent must file the petition.

Requirements

• Scheduled competition, tour, or events in the U.S.
• International recognition in the sport or performance field.
• P-1A: rankings, major competitions, media coverage, or letters from governing bodies.
• P-1B: group established at least 1 year, 75% core members, international recognition.
• Consultation letter, petitioner agreement, and itinerary of events.

Benefits

• Built for tours, seasons, and multi-stop competitions.
• Covers essential coaches/trainers/technical staff (P-1S).
• Validity: P-1A individual up to 5 years (max 10 with extension); teams/groups typically 1 year with renewals.

Who qualifies

• Professional athletes and teams joining U.S. clubs or leagues.
• Bands, dance troupes, and touring entertainment groups.
• Circus and large-format performance companies.
• Coaches, trainers, stage managers, or tech crew supporting the main act (P-1S).

Process & timeline

• U.S. petitioner files Form I-129 with evidence, consultation, and itinerary.
• USCIS decision; premium optional where available.
• Consular processing or change of status to start activities.
• Extensions aligned to ongoing events or seasons.

Why choose us

• Choose the right P-1A/P-1B strategy.
• Secure the correct consultation body and strong itinerary.
• Craft support letters to evidence international recognition.
• Align petition materials to avoid RFEs.