P1 Athlete visa - advice on wording and definition of terms

[tuilyon 0]

Hi all,

I am looking to apply for a P1 visa for athletes.
I meet all the criteria listed on the application and am able to provide all the documentation required. I have been offered a tendered contract from a sports team in LA and before I submit I wanted to clarify some details as the wording is a little vague and doesn't offer definition of some terms.

The application states I need to be offered a tendered contract by a "major" sports team. I have no idea what their definition of "major" would be. The team that has offered to contract me is a major team in our sport but the sport is Roller Derby so it's not a "major" sport in terms of mainstream American sports so I am unsure weather it would be seen as professional enough. Even though it's one of the most professional teams in it's discipline.

The other question is regarding the tender amount for the contract. As my sport isn't a mainstream sport the contract payment would be very low and not enough to live off. Is there any limitations regarding how little the tender must be? I would need to gain secondary employment but the visa allows this if the new employer files a petition so having enough money to live off isn't an issue, it's more about weather they would approve the visa given the tender is very low.

Any advice or resources regarding these matters would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[Anh map 2,098]

This is probably a question best directed to a competent immigration attorney. Roller derby would not likely be considered one of the major sports.

[Boiler 45,499]

Major sports stars in the US are usually very well paid.

My first post of call would be to ask these very questions to the Lawyer handling the application, I know that there are Lawyers specialising in this sector so hopefully your Employer has picked a good one.

Not sure what you mean by secondary employment, you will play for several different teams?

Edited June 8, 2015 by Boiler

[canadian_wife 1,822]

What has your Roller Derby's lawyer said about your questions?

good luck

[tuilyon 0]

Neither of us have lawyers. All roller derby leagues are skater owned and operated so they won't have one. They are offering to assist me get to the USA by genuinely contacting me, but as yet in the sport it's unheard of. I was wondering if there are any other athletes that play for more obscure sports that have maybe used this visa?

If anyone has experience worth this visa I'd love to chat to you.

Thanks

[Boiler 45,499]

The ownership does not matter, lack of a Lawyer suggests they are not serious.

Most of the cases you see are on J. Usually Football.

A Lawyer would not look to get you a P, should look to see what visa if any is available to do what you want.

You do not need a lawyer.

[jan22 3,055]

A P1 visa requires the employer to petition to USCIS for the individual. You can't just apply for the visa -- you need to have an approved I-797 for a P1 petition. It doesn't sound like the team has applied for a petition for you, or your question regarding the salary being offered would have already been answered. It is unlikely that USCIS will approve a P1 that does not provide a living wage. You cannot take secondary employment unless it, too, is appoved in advance by USCIS via a work petition. What other skills do you have that might qualify you for another work visa.

A P1 visa requires the employer to petition to USCIS for the individual. You can't just apply for the visa -- you need to have an approved I-797 for a P1 petition. It doesn't sound like the team has applied for a petition for you, or your question regarding the salary being offered would have already been answered. It is unlikely that USCIS will approve a P1 that does not provide a living wage. You cannot take secondary employment unless it, too, is appoved in advance by USCIS via a work petition. What other skills do you have that might qualify you for another work visa.