P-1A Visa

The P-1A visa allows internationally recognized athletes to enter the U.S. temporarily to perform at a specific athletic competition, individually or as part of a team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

Who is the Visa for?

  • Professional athletes

  • Internationally recognized individual competitors

  • Members of internationally recognized athletic teams

  • Coaches and support staff (when essential to the athlete’s performance)

Eligibility Requirements

Must be coming to the U.S. to participate in a competition, event, or performance of international standing

Must demonstrate a high level of achievement in the sport, evidenced by:

  • A significant degree of skill and recognition, substantially above the ordinary

  • Evidence that the competition or team is internationally recognized

Visa Duration:

  • Individual athletes: Up to 5 years, max 10

  • Teams: 1 year, extendable in 1-year increments

Processing Time:

  • Premium Processing: 15 business days (Form I-907)

  • Standard Processing: Varies by service center (check USCIS Processing Times tool)

OpenSphere Services:

  • Petition drafting & evidence compilation (competition records, contracts, press coverage)

  • RFE response preparation

  • Guidance for individual athletes, teams, and essential staff

  • Full end-to-end USCIS and consular support