For professional water polo players seeking to enter the U.S. for competitions, training, or employment, the most relevant visa options are similar to those available for other athletes. As our Los Angeles, CA naturalization lawyer can share, these include:
1. P-1 Visa (Internationally Recognized Athlete)
- Who qualifies? This visa is for water polo players who are coming to the U.S. temporarily to participate in a specific athletic competition or event, either individually or as part of a team. The athlete must have a high level of recognition in the sport.
- Requirements:
- Proof of international recognition in water polo, which could include awards, significant media coverage, participation in elite competitions, or high rankings.
- A contract with a U.S. water polo club or an invitation to participate in U.S.-based competitions.
2. O-1 Visa (Individuals With Extraordinary Ability)
- Who qualifies? The O-1 visa is for athletes with extraordinary ability, meaning they must demonstrate sustained national or international acclaim in water polo. Our firm was founded in 1996, and since then we have been helping qualified individuals get the visas they need to be in the United States.
- Requirements:
- Evidence of extraordinary ability, such as notable awards, significant achievements, and media recognition.
- An offer of employment or contract in the U.S., such as competing in a professional water polo league or serving as a coach for a U.S. water polo team.
3. B-1 Visa (Business Visitor Visa)
- Who qualifies? Water polo players may use the B-1 visa if they are visiting the U.S. temporarily to participate in unpaid competitions or training. This visa allows for short-term stays for specific events. As always, if you have any questions about this process, contact a lawyer.
- Restrictions: The B-1 visa does not allow the athlete to receive payment for participating in competitions, though travel and accommodation reimbursements are allowed.
4. P-1S Visa (Support Personnel)
- Who qualifies? This visa is for essential support personnel who are assisting P-1 visa holders, such as coaches, trainers, or other staff essential to the water polo team.
Steps For Applying:
- Petition: Similar to other athlete visas, a U.S.-based employer, team, or event organizer must file a petition with USCIS on behalf of the water polo player. A player themselves is not able to do this on their own.
- Documentation: The player must provide evidence of their recognition and qualifications, such as past competition history, awards, and any contracts or invitations to U.S. water polo events. A lawyer can help gather this documentation if you are unsure what is needed or how to get it.
- Visa Interview: Once the petition is approved, the water polo player must attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country.
The P-1 and O-1 visas are most commonly used for professional water polo players, depending on the level of recognition and the nature of their visit to the U.S. Contact Bolour / Carl Immigration Group, APC for more information today. We have over twenty five years of experience working with visas.
