Orlando P-1 Visa Lawyer
Orlando, Miami, and all of Central and South Florida are a hotbed for professional sports and entertainment. In Orlando, the Orlando Magic (NBA) Orlando City Soccer Club (MLS) play professional basketball and soccer, respectively. Miami’s professional sports teams include the Heat, Dolphins, Marlins, and Miami FC.
As for entertainment, each city offers world class experiences in a broad array of settings. In Orlando, famous performers and internationally recognized entertainers may be attracted by the numerous concert and performance venues including the Amway Center and the array of venues in nearby Lake Buena Vista. In Miami, entertainers may be attracted by the rich cultural history of the city and performance venues such as Broward Center for Performing Arts, the Fillmore Miami Beach, and the Hard Rock properties.
In short, there are a multitude of reasons why internationally recognized athletes, sports players, artists, musicians, or entertainers would need or want to perform or compete in Central or South Florida. The Orlando and Miami-based immigration attorneys of Colombo & Hurd can assist professional athletes and professional entertainers obtain visas to work and perform in the United States. We take a strategic, business focused approach to immigration needs. To discuss how our services may be a fit for you or your performance group, please call our Orlando or Miami law offices at (800) 659-7142.
What Is the P-1 Visa?
The P1 Visa is utilized for internationally known artists, entertainers or athletes to participate in performances for United States employers or international employers while working through a United States agent. In order to qualify for this Visa, the performance or event must require a performer of international quality. In order to qualify under this category, entertainment groups, athletic teams and individual athletes must meet a basic standard of international recognition. Specifically, the successful applicant must demonstrate a “high level of achievement in the field evident by a degree of skill and recognition substantially above that ordinarily encountered, to the extent that such achievement is renowned, leading, or well-known in more than one country.”
P-1A Visa – Professional Sports Players And Athletes Visa
Under this subcategory it is vital to demonstrate that the foreign national applying for the Visa performs at a degree of skill substantially higher than that which is provided by other athletes. Athletes qualifying under this category will need to demonstrate that they are internationally recognized and are preparing for competition or participation in an athletic competition or athletic league with a stellar reputation. It is notable that the classification may be provided to individual athletes or to athletic teams which are recognized internationally as outstanding in their field. In order to provide a successful filing in this subcategory, evidence concerning the athletic competition or league in which the athlete will participate as well as evidence concerning the distinguished ability of the athletes including rankings and supporting statements in the field should be provided.
P-1B Visa – Entertainers Visa
Under this subcategory the entertainment group must have at least two members in order to successfully obtain a Visa. The guidelines require that seventy-five percent (75%) of the entertainment group must have been performing together for one year or greater at the time the Petition is filed. The type of entertainment group contemplated by a P-1B Visa could include musicians, dancers, circus personnel, singers and most other types of performance groups. Under the regulations, each member of the group must play an integral part to the group’s performance in order for successful application. Finally, the entertainment group must provide evidence that the group has international recognition, including evidence of the group’s nomination or reception of an international prize or award or demonstration of critical reviews, international recognition, record of commercial success or recognition of outstanding achievement from critics or other factors demonstrating international success.
Orlando Visa Attorneys Obtain Visas for Professional Athletes and Entertainers
The immigration attorneys of Colombo & Hurd understand the visa needs of entertainers, sports players, and athletes. When you work with our law firm, we strive to make the visa process as straightforward and painless as possible. We can set forth a customized visa plan to reduce anxiety and concern regarding the legal aspects of coming to the United States to compete or perform. Working with an attorney to obtain a visa reduces the chances of mistakes and increases the odds that your performance or competition will occur without a hitch.
If you are in need of an attorney experienced in filing for a P-1 Visa and would like to arrange for a consultation via telephone, email, internet phone or in person, please contact Colombo & Hurd, PL today for your consultation at 1-800-659-7142.
