P-1A and P-1B visa
P-1 visa for athletes, teams and entertainment groups
The P-1 lets internationally recognized athletes, teams and entertainment groups come to the US to compete or perform. A US employer, sponsor or agent files for you.
Last checked October 2026 · Sources
- Individual athlete
- Up to 5 years, then 5 more
- Teams and groups
- Up to 1 year at a time
- Premium processing
- 15 business days
- Legal fee
- Quoted on request
Quick answer
What is the P-1 visa?
The P-1 is a temporary US visa for athletes and entertainment groups with international recognition. P-1A covers individual athletes and teams coming for a specific competition. P-1B covers members of an entertainment group recognized as outstanding for a sustained period. A labor organization opinion is required. As of October 2026, the USCIS petition fee is $1,015.
- Individual athletes: up to 5 years, plus up to 5 more, 10 years in total.
- Teams and entertainment groups: up to 1 year, extended 1 year at a time.
- Essential support staff, like coaches, trainers or interpreters, use a separate P-1S petition.
- Spouses and children come in P-4 status and cannot work.
P-1A or P-1B
P-1A athletes vs P-1B entertainment groups
The rules are in 8 CFR 214.2(p)(4)(4)) and 8 U.S.C. 1184(c)(4).
| P-1A athletes | P-1B entertainment groups | |
|---|---|---|
| Who qualifies | Athletes and teams at an internationally recognized level. Also certain professional athletes, some amateur athletes and coaches, and theatrical ice skaters. | Members of a group recognized internationally as outstanding for a sustained and substantial period |
| The event | A competition with a distinguished reputation that needs internationally recognized athletes | Performances that need an internationally recognized group |
| Core evidence | A tendered contract with a major US league or team, or an individual sport contract, if contracts are normal in the sport. Plus at least 2 of 7 kinds of proof. | A nomination for or win of a significant international award, or 3 of 6 kinds of proof |
| Membership rule | Not applicable | The group has performed regularly for at least 1 year. 75% of members have been with it at least 1 year. |
| Solo work | Individual athletes compete on their own reputation | Members cannot perform apart from the group |
| Approval period | Individual: up to 5 years. Team: up to 1 year. | Up to 1 year |
Internationally recognized means renowned, leading or well known in more than one country (8 CFR 214.2(p)(3)(3))).
P-1A evidence
The 7 kinds of proof for athletes (you need 2)
Along with the contract, a P-1A petition needs at least 2 of these (8 CFR 214.2(p)(4)(ii)(B)(4)(ii)(B))).
-
Major US league
Significant play in a prior season with a major US sports league.
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National team
International competition with a national team.
-
US college sports
Significant play in a prior season for a US college or university.
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Governing body statement
A written statement from an official of the sport’s governing body explaining how you or your team is internationally recognized.
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Media or expert statement
A written statement from sports media or a recognized expert on your international recognition.
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International ranking
Proof you or your team are ranked, if the sport has international rankings.
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Significant honor or award
A significant honor or award in the sport.
P-1B rules
Exceptions for entertainment groups
Groups also prove recognition with an award or 3 of 6 kinds of proof, such as starring roles at distinguished events, major reviews, commercial success, expert recognition or high pay. Some rules can bend:
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25% of performers
The 1-year membership rule does not apply to 25% of the performers in a group.
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Replacements
USCIS may waive the 1-year rule for someone replacing an essential member because of illness or emergency, or adding a critical role.
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Nationally known groups
USCIS may waive international recognition for a group recognized nationally for a long time, in special circumstances such as limited media access.
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Circus personnel
The 1-year and international recognition rules do not apply if joining a nationally recognized circus.
Filing, support staff and family
Who files, P-1S and P-4
| Topic | The rule in plain English |
|---|---|
| Who can file | A US employer, a US sponsoring organization, a US agent, or a foreign employer through a US agent. File no more than 1 year before the work. |
| Consultation | A written advisory opinion from a labor organization with expertise in your sport or field. If none exists, USCIS decides on the other evidence. |
| P-1S support staff | Highly skilled people integral to the performance, whose work US workers cannot readily do. USCIS lists coaches, scouts, trainers, referees and interpreters as examples for athletes. They need a separate petition, their own labor consultation, and proof of past work with you. |
| P-4 family | Your spouse and unmarried children under 21. They cannot work in P-4 status. |
| Changing teams | A new employer files a new petition. A traded pro athlete keeps work permission for 30 days while the new team files. |
| Arrival | You may arrive up to 10 days before the approval period and stay 10 days after, but may only work during it. |
Sources: 8 CFR 214.2(p)(2), (p)(7), (p)(8), (p)(12)) and the USCIS P-1A page.
Costs
P-1 fees, as of October 2026
Government fees from the USCIS fee schedule, Form G-1055, edition 10/01/26.
| Fee | Amount | Paid to |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-129, P petition (up to 25 named people) | $1,015. $510 for small employers and nonprofits. | USCIS |
| Asylum Program Fee | $600. $300 for small employers. $0 for nonprofits. | USCIS |
| Premium processing, Form I-907 (optional, P-1 and P-1S) | $2,965. USCIS acts within 15 business days. | USCIS |
| P visa at a US consulate | $205 per person | State Department |
| Legal fee | Quoted on request, flat, before you sign | Partner law firm |
Every Form I-129 petitioner pays the Asylum Program Fee (8 CFR 106.2(c)(13)). The $205 visa fee is from 22 CFR 22.1. P-1 cases are handled by licensed attorneys at an independent partner firm. Frank does not cover P-1. Green Card Guide is not a law firm.
FAQ
Questions people ask
P-1A needs international recognition and a specific competition. O-1A needs top-of-field acclaim and suits athletes and coaches with a very strong record. See O-1A and visa options for athletes.
An individual athlete can be approved for up to 5 years and extended up to 5 more, for 10 years in total. Teams are approved for up to 1 year at a time.
No. P-1B is only for members of a group performing as a unit. Solo artists usually look at O-1B.
Filing a green card petition is not a reason to deny a P petition, extension or admission. This does not cover essential support staff. Some athletes later file for EB-1A.
No. A P-4 spouse or child cannot work unless granted separate work authorization.
A petitioner can ask to substitute group members at the consulate or port of entry with a letter and the approval notice. New support staff need a new petition.
Not sure if P-1 or O-1 fits?
A partner-firm attorney reviews your record and confirms the right route before anything is filed. Fees are flat and quoted before you sign. No outcome is guaranteed.
Sources · checked October 2026
- eCFR: 8 CFR 214.2(p), P nonimmigrants (current to Oct. 1, 2026)
- 8 U.S.C. 1184(a)(2)(B) and (c)(4) (LII)
- USCIS: P-1A Athlete (updated 03/26/2021)
- USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 2, Part N, Ch. 2 (P eligibility, current as of Oct. 2, 2026)
- USCIS Fee Schedule, Form G-1055 (edition 10/01/26)
- USCIS: How Do I Request Premium Processing? (updated 03/23/2026)
- eCFR: 22 CFR 22.1, State Department fee schedule
- 8 CFR 106.2(c)(13), Asylum Program Fee (Cornell LII)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; a partner-firm attorney confirms what applies to you before anything is filed.
