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Sports Visa Attorneys in Florida & New York
For Guidance in Sports Immigration Matters, Call (407) 269-8774.
Do professional athletes need work visas? Yes, in fact, amateur and professional athletes apply for sports visas every year to train and compete in the United States. They are often accompanied by coaches, family members, and other support personnel who encourage their ambitions and aid them in achieving success.
Before completing your travel plans, it’s important to discuss your specific situation with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer. At the Sekou Clarke Law Group, our Florida & New York sports visa attorneys can help athletes and their support teams obtain their immigration goals.
We represent the following clients:
- Professional athletes
- Amateur athletes
- Athletes transitioning to collegiate level
- Coaches and support personal
- Parents of athletes
Our legal team understands that athletes face many challenges in their pursuit of gold and glory. Oftentimes, professional sports organizations make sudden mid-season changes or announce special events that necessitate immediate travel and legal assistance. During your consultation, we can review your circumstances, evaluate any potential complications, and explain your general legal options under U.S. visa laws. You can even rely on our team of problem-solvers to help you extend or change the status of your visa.
Our firm is led by an immigrant with a comprehensive understanding of the sports visa process. Complete an online form or call our Florida & New York sports immigration attorneys at (407) 269-8774 to explore your options. We speak English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Which Sports Visa Is Right for You?
The United States immigration system is incredibly difficult to navigate without experienced legal representation. This is particularly true for athletes and their support personnel who have different visa options depending on their needs.
Temporary Visas
- P-1A Visa: Usually the easiest and most appropriate choice for athletes who are coming into the country temporarily. However, it is limited to individuals who compete at an internationally recognized level and plan to earn income outside of prize money. The visa application (Form I-129 for Nonimmigrant Worker) must be sponsored by an employer or agent. This visa option can last up to 5 years and is renewable.
- B-1 Visitor Visa:
- Professional athletes can participate in competitions by via the B-1 visitor visa, however they cannot live in the U.S. full time or seek employment within the country.
- Most amateur athletes can compete or temporarily train as “visitors” to the United States. They can also participate in the visa waiver program and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If athletes can’t obtain this waiver, they must apply for a B-1 visitor visa, which allows them to stay in the country for 180 days.
- O-1 Visa: Reserved for athletes who have earned extraordinary achievements in their chosen fields. This visa is similar to a green card and, consequently, is extremely difficult to obtain. If awarded, the O-1 visa can last up to 3 years.
Temporary Visas for Amateur Athletes Staying Over 6 Months
- F-1 Student Visa: This visa is for athletes under the age of 18 who wish to participate in a long-term sports training program in the United States. These athletes are required to attend private schools while they are training. This visa is not available for athletes who receive home schooling or take online classes. The school needs to issue an I-20 immigration form for the student to obtain an F-1 visa.
- P-1 Visa: It’s extremely rare, but some amateur athletes can be considered eligible for a P-1 visa. However, to qualify, an athlete needs to demonstrate remarkable international achievements in their chosen field. An amateur athlete must also have a sponsor in the U.S. who is willing to file the petition for the athlete.
Sports Visa Attorneys in Florida & New York
For Guidance in Sports Immigration Matters, Call (407) 269-8774.
Do professional athletes need work visas? Yes, in fact, amateur and professional athletes apply for sports visas every year to train and compete in the United States. They are often accompanied by coaches, family members, and other support personnel who encourage their ambitions and aid them in achieving success.
Before completing your travel plans, it’s important to discuss your specific situation with a knowledgeable immigration lawyer. At the Sekou Clarke Law Group, our Florida & New York sports visa attorneys can help athletes and their support teams obtain their immigration goals.
We represent the following clients:
- Professional athletes
- Amateur athletes
- Athletes transitioning to collegiate level
- Coaches and support personal
- Parents of athletes
Our legal team understands that athletes face many challenges in their pursuit of gold and glory. Oftentimes, professional sports organizations make sudden mid-season changes or announce special events that necessitate immediate travel and legal assistance. During your consultation, we can review your circumstances, evaluate any potential complications, and explain your general legal options under U.S. visa laws. You can even rely on our team of problem-solvers to help you extend or change the status of your visa.
Our firm is led by an immigrant with a comprehensive understanding of the sports visa process. Complete an online form or call our Florida & New York sports immigration attorneys at (407) 269-8774 to explore your options. We speak English, Haitian Creole, Spanish, and Portuguese.
Which Sports Visa Is Right for You?
The United States immigration system is incredibly difficult to navigate without experienced legal representation. This is particularly true for athletes and their support personnel who have different visa options depending on their needs.
Temporary Visas
- P-1A Visa: Usually the easiest and most appropriate choice for athletes who are coming into the country temporarily. However, it is limited to individuals who compete at an internationally recognized level and plan to earn income outside of prize money. The visa application (Form I-129 for Nonimmigrant Worker) must be sponsored by an employer or agent. This visa option can last up to 5 years and is renewable.
- B-1 Visitor Visa:
- Professional athletes can participate in competitions by via the B-1 visitor visa, however they cannot live in the U.S. full time or seek employment within the country.
- Most amateur athletes can compete or temporarily train as “visitors” to the United States. They can also participate in the visa waiver program and stay for up to 90 days without a visa. If athletes can’t obtain this waiver, they must apply for a B-1 visitor visa, which allows them to stay in the country for 180 days.
- O-1 Visa: Reserved for athletes who have earned extraordinary achievements in their chosen fields. This visa is similar to a green card and, consequently, is extremely difficult to obtain. If awarded, the O-1 visa can last up to 3 years.
Temporary Visas for Amateur Athletes Staying Over 6 Months
- F-1 Student Visa: This visa is for athletes under the age of 18 who wish to participate in a long-term sports training program in the United States. These athletes are required to attend private schools while they are training. This visa is not available for athletes who receive home schooling or take online classes. The school needs to issue an I-20 immigration form for the student to obtain an F-1 visa.
- P-1 Visa: It’s extremely rare, but some amateur athletes can be considered eligible for a P-1 visa. However, to qualify, an athlete needs to demonstrate remarkable international achievements in their chosen field. An amateur athlete must also have a sponsor in the U.S. who is willing to file the petition for the athlete.
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Aggressive & Passionate
What Makes Us Different
The Sekou Clarke Law Group is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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The Sekou Clarke Law Group did everything and more to help. They are truly miracle workers.- Denise
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The Sekou Clarke Law Group made the process seem quick and easy. The professionalism and communication were excellent. All our questions were answered, and we were reassured when we had doubts. Definitely recommend this law group.- Sasha C
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The best move I ever made was to consult Mr. Clarke on my immigration matter. I am comfortable where I am because of his professional guidance.- Stephen M.
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It's good to have one reliable lawyer at your disposal. Mr. Clarke will drop anything to help a client in distress, and that's why I have him in my speed dial. Mr. Sekou has no limitations on the number of aliens in one case. Whatever the number, he will serve you to the best of his ability. Some law firms put a certain limit, thereby making it almost impossible to get the help one really needs.- Wanjiku N.
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I was detained by ICE few months ago and was placed in removal proceedings. My family and I reached out to several law firms and they all rejected my case because of the charges that I had. Subsequently with my last hope of having any lawyer representation my family contacted Mr. Sekou Clarke and he immediately said Yes!!! A few weeks later I was released and now I'm adjusting my status to become a Permanent resident. Thanks to Mr. Clarke and his remarkable team- Desmond J.
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Mr Clarke very professional lawyer he represented me and a couple of family and friends would recomend him to anyone who wants real honest professional help.- Former Client
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Sekou immediately after our first meeting put my mind at ease giving me hope while going through a difficult time in my life, while keeping constant communication with me and giving me words of encouragement at the same time he was able to handle my auto a- John
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He kept me informed of every step that was taken to successfully complete my divorce.- Racquel