P-1A Attorney In Kansas City

P-1 classification applies to individuals who are coming to the United States temporarily at a specific competition or event as an athlete, or as part of a group or team, at an internationally recognized level of performance.

To receive P-1 classification as an individual athlete, one must be coming to the United States to participate in an individual event, competition or performance in which the individual is internationally recognized with a high level of athletic achievement. This achievement may be shown by a degree or skill and recognition which is substantially above that ordinarily encountered. To receive P-1 classification as an athletic team, the team must be coming to the United States to participate in team events and must have achieved significant international recognition in the sport. The team even must be distinguished and require participation of athletic teams of international recognition.

In order for a team or athlete to come to the United States, the United States employer must file a Form I-129, along with fees and supporting documents. The petitioner who will be filing as an agent for multiple athletes must establish that it is duly authorized to act as an agent. The United States employer is required to submit a consultation from an appropriate labor organization which describes the specific work or services to be performed in the United States as well as qualifications for the work.

In support of the Form I-129, the following documents must be included:

• 1) a written consultation from an appropriate labor organization,
• 2) a copy of the contract with a major United States sports league or team, or an individual contract in an individual sport,
• 3) explanation of the event and itinerary,
• 4) documents of at least two of the following: evidence of having participated to a significant extent in a prior season with a major United States league, evidence of having participated to a significant extent with an international competition with a national team, evidence of participation at a United State college or university in college sports, a written statement from an official of the United States sports league which shows how your team is internationally recognized, a written statement from a member of the sports media or an expert in the sport which shows you are internationally recognized, evidence that your team is ranked if your sport has rankings, evidence that your team has won significant awards.

For more information regarding P-1A Visas, and the process of obtaining an P-1A Visa, please contact the Law Office of Jeffery Bennett via phone: 816-759-2776 (English), 816-759-2777 (Spanish); or via email: jyb@jybennettlaw.com.