P1 Visas
for Athletes & Groups
contracts – protecting rights, minimizing risk, and negotiating fair terms in the U.S. and globally.
Compete, perform, and tour in the U.S. with the right legal edge. The P1 visa permits professional athletes, athletes’ teams, and entertainment groups to temporarily work and travel in the United States for competitions, events, performances, and tours. But qualifying under USCIS’s strict criteria requires more than achievement — it requires expertly crafted legal strategy.
At ChaseLawyers®, we combine deep understanding of U.S. immigration law and the sports/entertainment industries to help you secure the P1 classification. From gathering competition records and contracts to petition filing, renewing, and travel compliance — we manage every stage so you can focus on what you do best: perform.
contracts — protecting artists, producers, and their rights across the U.S. and globally.
Your talent deserves recognition at the global stage — and the right visa makes it possible. We help you:
- Determine whether you qualify as a P-1A athlete or P-1B entertainment group
- Analyze your past performances, rankings, and event participation
- Craft a compelling petition narrative that meets USCIS criteria
- Forecast challenges and propose mitigation strategies
We turn your career highlights into a legally persuasive story. Our legal support includes:
- Compile and organize essential documentation (contracts, event schedule, media)
- Draft a persuasive petition that frames your accomplishments correctly
- Respond to Requests for Evidence (RFEs) or follow-up queries
- Track case status and interface with USCIS on your behalf
Once approved, we help you maintain your status while your career evolves. Our ongoing services include:
- Assist with P1 visa renewals and extensions
- Advise on maintaining status while traveling, competing, and touring
- Help with transitions into other visa categories (e.g. O1 or EB-1)
- Correct compliance issues, such as performance vs. rest periods or scheduling conflicts
How It Works
- Share your athletic or entertainment background
- Identify your eligibility and risks
- Get tailored legal advice
- Define whether P-1A (athlete) or P-1B (entertainment group) is the right path
- Map out your competitions, contracts, and recognition
- Build a strategy to highlight international achievements
- Collect and prepare evidence: press coverage, awards, rankings, contracts
- Draft and file the P1 petition with USCIS
- Ensure compliance with supporting organizations’ requirements
- Respond to USCIS Requests for Evidence (RFEs)
- Manage any compliance issues during your stay
- Protect your rights in endorsement and performance contracts
- Support with renewals and extensions of your P1 status
- Plan transitions to long-term visas (O1, EB-1)
- Provide continued legal support as your career expands
From soccer players to boxing champions, we represent individuals and groups who compete at the highest level.
Dance troupes, theater companies, and music ensembles — we help entire groups secure entry to the U.S. for tours and performances.
Federations, leagues, and promoters rely on us to structure visa petitions and contracts for international competitions.
Rising stars with proven achievements abroad who need proper legal framing to meet USCIS criteria.
FAQ
Find quick answers to common questions about our legal services, from costs and contracts to copyrights, licensing, and royalties.
P1A visas are for internationally recognized athletes or athletic teams. P1B visas are for entertainment groups with a distinguished reputation.
Athletes and groups are usually admitted for the duration of their event, season, or tour, up to 5 years (athletes) or 1 year (groups), with possible extensions.
Yes. Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for P4 visas. They cannot work but can study in the U.S.
Documentation of international recognition such as press coverage, awards, contracts, rankings, or proof of distinguished reputation for groups.
Yes. A U.S. employer, agent, or sponsoring organization must file the petition on your behalf.
Regular processing may take several months. Premium processing is available for faster review (15 days).
In some cases, yes. Many athletes and entertainers later transition to O1 visas or EB1 green cards. Legal guidance is essential for planning this path.
Your legal status may be affected. We help clients manage unexpected changes and explore options for maintaining lawful presence.
Yes, income earned in the U.S. is subject to U.S. tax laws. Proper planning with tax and legal advisors is important.
Yes. Essential support personnel may be eligible for separate P1S visas to accompany and assist athletes or groups.