Athletes & Artists

Allows athletes to enter the U.S. for specific and limited purposes:

Individual Professional Athletes 

Those not receiving a salary, except prize money, can participate in U.S. sporting events or competitions. 

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Athletes or Team Members of Foreign-Based Teams

Eligible if the team is based abroad, earns income abroad, and is part of an international league or participates in international events.

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Amateur Hockey Players

Can use the B-1 visa for try-outs during the professional season or playoffs, presenting a "memorandum of agreement" with the National Hockey League. Compensation is limited to round-trip airfare, room, board, and transportation.

The O-1B visa is designed for artists of extraordinary ability, requiring a demonstration of outstanding achievements in the arts to establish their distinction. Initial permits are granted for up to three years, with the possibility of extensions in one-year increments.

This visa is available to individual athletes of “extraordinary ability”. To obtain an O-1 visa, athletes must demonstrate that they possess “a level of expertise indicating that they are one of the small percentage who have risen to the top of the field of endeavor.” Examples of O-1 eligible athletes would be Lionel Messi (soccer), Usain Bolt (track & field), and Wayne Gretzky (hockey).

The P-1B visa is reserved for noncitizen artists who are part of a recognized entertainment group. Unlike the O-1B visa, P-1B artists work collaboratively as a team. The duration of initial stays aligns with the event's schedule, not exceeding one year, and can be extended in one-year increments.

To be eligible for a P-1 visa, the athlete must demonstrate that they are "internationally recognized" and are coming to the United States to participate in a league or event with a distinguished reputation.

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For athletes under contract with major professional sports leagues such as the NHL (National Hockey League), NBA (National Basketball Association), MLB (Major League Baseball), MLS (Major League Soccer), and NFL (National Football League), the process is somewhat simplified. These athletes need only establish that they have a major league contract to qualify for a P-1 visa.

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In essence, a P-1 visa is designed for athletes who may not have reached the "extraordinary ability" level but are still internationally recognized and are joining major leagues or prestigious sports events in the United States. This visa category recognizes the importance of professional athletes who compete at the highest levels, even if they haven't achieved the same level of individual recognition as O-1 visa recipients.

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An integral part of the P-1 visa program is the P-1S visa category, specifically designed for Essential Support Personnel accompanying P-1 athletes or teams. This category includes coaches, managers, referees, and trainers, all of whom must demonstrate their critical role in contributing to the success of the P-1 athlete or team.

The P-2 visa is tailored for artists participating in reciprocal exchange programs, enabling them to perform either individually or as part of a group. Initial stays can last up to one year and are extendable in one-year increments. Artists must enter the United States through a government-approved reciprocal exchange program.

An H-2B visa requires the sponsoring team to obtain a labor certification from the Department of Labor.

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Athletes engaged in minor league contracts typically receive H-2B visas, but these are granted only for the duration of the season, with a maximum validity period of up to one year.

The P-3 visa is designed for noncitizens involved in performing, teaching, or coaching within culturally unique programs. This category includes traditional artistic performances that contribute to the understanding or development of the art form. Initial stays are granted for up to one year, with the possibility of extensions in one-year increments.